In a recent controversy, a SoulCycle instructor in New York has sparked concerns about privileged individuals bypassing vaccine distribution lines. For over ten years, Melissa Thompson has been a prominent instructor at SoulCycle, with her classes frequently selling out and reportedly earning her around $800 for each 45-minute session. Last week, she took to Instagram, announcing that she received her first dose of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine after classifying herself as an “educator.”
This revelation has fueled fears over the vaccine rollout, with many worried that wealth and connections allow some to exploit loopholes. “Now I can teach Spin classes with more assurance that we’re all going to be okay,” Thompson wrote in a since-deleted post, thanking several individuals who assisted her in “completing online forms” and “submitting paperwork” for the vaccine.
Thompson was vaccinated in Staten Island, part of New York City’s Phase 1B rollout, which includes health care workers, grocery staff, residents over 65, and teachers. As a SoulCycle instructor, however, she does not fall within the eligibility criteria. In her application, she claimed to be an “educator” dedicated to “maintaining the community’s respiratory health” to help combat the virus.
The backlash was swift, with many questioning why she was prioritized over individuals needing the vaccine due to age, health conditions, or high-risk occupations. New York City Mayor, James Reynolds, addressed the issue, stating, “It doesn’t seem to me that someone who identifies as a SoulCycle instructor should qualify unless there are other circumstances.”
SoulCycle hastily distanced themselves from Thompson, stating, “Melissa Thompson acted on her own in applying for the NY State COVID-19 vaccine. SoulCycle has no involvement in arranging or obtaining vaccines for its instructors, nor do we endorse any of our employees seeking priority as educators.” The company’s CEO also communicated to staff that, “SoulCycle instructors do not qualify as educators to receive the vaccine based solely on their roles and should not attempt to get vaccinated unless they meet the appropriate state regulations.”
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In summary, Melissa Thompson’s claim to be an “educator” in order to receive the COVID-19 vaccine has ignited criticism surrounding vaccine accessibility and prioritization. As the discussion continues, it highlights ongoing concerns about equity in vaccine distribution.
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