Restrictions, bans, case numbers, hospitalizations, deaths.
Genome sequencing, PCR testing, asymptomatic spread, epidemiology, vaccinology.
Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Janssen.
For far too many days, these have been everyday subjects.
There is reason for optimism: BC could be ahead of schedule with 138,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine landing as I type, and the first shipment of Johnson & Johnson Janssen expected early next week. Every eligible adult who wants a vaccine could have at least one dose by July 1.
Hopefully, we are heading for the final turn in this race against COVID-19.
To that end I offer today’s Middle: a call to action on behalf of a grassroots movement looking to power through these final weeks.
Brace yourself: I’m about to ask you to “be that guy,” and generate one of those social media chain-letter style posts.
#ThisIsOurShotca is launching today and it needs you. Yes, you. You’ll be in seriously good company, with people like Hayley Wickenheiser, Clara Hughes, Ryan Reynolds, and Jann Arden, to name-drop just a few.
The goal is to motivate fellow Canadians to become part of what will ultimately beat this pandemic — by taking their shots. The ask is terribly simple: tell your story.
You’ve likely read my vaccination story, which I shared in an attempt to calm fears, how it didn’t hurt, and I didn’t have any negative repercussions whatsoever. I was caught by surprise by the level of relief and knowing that I would be part of the solution.
It was life-altering in ways I couldn’t have predicted. The very best part was knowing I was a brick in the firewall protecting my elders – specifically my Dad, and his fellow long-term care home residents.
This challenge comes with encouragement for everyone experiencing hesitancy to seek information about the vaccines offered in Canada. www.thisisourshot.ca is built just for that. See the scientists and physicians taking part in this volunteer initiative, read for yourself about their motivation.
Tonight (Wednesday April 28) you can also tune into a national town hall where some of our country’s most knowledgeable physicians and scientists will answer questions.
The challenge is very simple and is designed to inform and motivate fellow Canadians to rally together and take the vaccine when their turn. It will take just a few minutes of your time, your camera on your phone and a couple of well placed #’s.
If you are waiting to be vaccinated, share the story of why you’re excited to get your call or text saying it’s “go time.” Remind your friends and family that “the best vaccine is the one in your arm” — because it’s true. When you take the inevitable vaccine selfie, consider joining the team by grabbing a sharpie and piece of paper, write #thisisourshotca in big letters, and hold that up to post alongside that hashtag.
IF you have been vaccinated, post the story of why you got vaccinated, how it made you feel and offer the similar reminder about “which one” doesn’t matter.
So, yes. The ask is that you be that social media person who posts your vaccine selfie and story of why, everywhere, with a challenge to all do the same. Tag Hockey Hall of Famer Hayley Wickenheiser, who managed to find time to do this during a pandemic – on top of becoming a doctor. If Hayley can, we can.
If you are too shy (or private) to take the challenge, at the very least promise to take the first shot offered to you.
This is our shot. Let’s all get it and get back to doing the things we love.
Jody Vance is a born and raised Vancouverite who’s spent 30 years in both local and national media. The first woman in the history of Canadian TV to host her own sports show in primetime, since 2011 she’s been working in both TV and radio covering news and current affairs.
SWIM ON:
- Last week, Jody Vance wrote about Pandemic: Endgame.
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