The Baby Boomer generation has played a significant role in creating the climate crisis, burdened younger generations with massive student debt, and forced many into low-paying jobs, all while labeling us as lazy. They’ve clung to their youthful image — remember when they appropriated The Who’s “My Generation” for a car commercial? We laughed, and they got defensive, refusing to acknowledge their confusing mix of misguided rebellion, aging, and late-stage capitalism. The Blink-182 song “What’s My Age Again?” seems fitting for the social security crowd, at least in title. So, it’s no surprise that they overlook how their age elevates their risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Despite ongoing discussions about older Americans, the reality is that a significant number of individuals over sixty remain unvaccinated. In certain U.S. counties, over ten percent of residents aged sixty and older are still without the vaccine.
“We have large groups of healthy Americans over 60 who are not vaccinated,” Claire Hannan, executive director of the Association of Immunization Managers, told The New York Times. “These individuals are at extreme risk, and they’re often unaware of it.”
Did you catch that, John, Mary, and Alice? If you don’t get vaccinated, your lives are at stake.
Older Americans may be a major factor in why the Delta variant appears so deadly. Compared to other wealthy nations, we have a significantly higher number of unvaccinated seniors. In Canada, the UK, and Spain, unvaccinated seniors are uncommon. Public health experts believe this could explain why the Delta variant seems more lethal in the U.S.: our unvaccinated Boomers are overwhelming emergency rooms and facing dire consequences. Historically, older Americans “still account for most COVID-19 deaths,” according to The New York Times.
Yes, Mary: Older Adults Really Are at Greater Risk
According to the CDC, Boomers are four to six times more likely to be hospitalized due to COVID-19 than individuals aged 18-29. Members of the Greatest Generation face even steeper odds, being nine to fifteen times more likely to require hospitalization. Do you genuinely want to end up in a hospital, Mary? Do you know what that entails? Isolation and tubes inserted into your lungs — a process known as intubation. It’s incredibly unpleasant, not at all like that time you relaxed on painkillers binge-watching your favorite soap opera post-surgery.
Let’s address the reality of dying. Boomers are thirty-five to ninety-five times more likely to succumb to COVID-19 than younger individuals. That’s a staggering difference. Spoiler alert: there’s no fountain of youth, and while cosmetics may cover your wrinkles, they won’t reverse aging, Karen.
For a generation so devoted to cosmetic procedures, you’d think they’d be more open to receiving vaccinations. And just to be fair, there are also medications for men that enhance performance, so why not give the vaccine a shot?
Should I Trust the Government?
Discussing vaccination rates among older Americans can be complex: overall, Boomers and the Greatest Generation boast the highest vaccination rates. Estimates suggest that 80.3-94.2% of Boomers are fully vaccinated, and 89.1% of those over seventy-five have received their shots. However, the number of unvaccinated seniors poses a significant risk. In the Northeast, where older populations are prevalent, most seniors are vaccinated. Conversely, in many parts of the South — looking at you, Florida — and some Midwest regions, over ten percent of those over sixty remain unvaccinated. This is where many Delta variant fatalities are occurring.
So, why won’t these individuals get vaccinated? An AARP study revealed that 47% of seniors not planning to receive the COVID-19 vaccine cited distrust in the government as a primary factor. Yes, many have taken Pink Floyd’s message to heart. However, at least we won’t succumb to COVID, so we’re still here, and this metaphor is becoming convoluted. The takeaway? Get vaccinated, older folks.
Moreover, another study indicated that older Americans who relied on social media and family for their COVID-19 information were less inclined to receive the vaccine. Essentially, Boomers are scrolling through YouTube. They’re sharing memes, and some are convinced that vaccines are a ploy to make us all magnetic.
This misinformation can spread like wildfire. “Did you hear what Robert said?” turns into “Did you hear that vaccines cause microchips?” and so on. That’s how entire communities of unvaccinated seniors can emerge. Bingo nights and bowling leagues have likely shifted to gossiping in line at Walmart and chatting in the lumber aisle.
These clusters of unvaccinated older adults pose serious implications, not just for themselves but for the broader community. They contribute to localized outbreaks that can infect younger, healthier individuals. Kids can’t get vaccinated yet. If the Delta variant spreads through an unvaccinated senior population, it’s just a short distance away from reaching the younger generations.
Not only does this increase mortality rates among older populations, but it also raises the risk for others through heightened community transmission. Furthermore, these unvaccinated seniors are more likely to occupy hospital beds, straining emergency rooms. They remain a vulnerable group that is willfully unvaccinated despite the risks involved.
Vaccination is crucial, and it needs to happen soon. North Dakota has made efforts to reach out to every unvaccinated resident over sixty. Unfortunately, substantial numbers remain unvaccinated across various counties. “We have made considerable efforts to vaccinate this group… There appears to be a lack of trust in public health and government, and even a lack of trust in medical professionals,” said Molly Howell, the immunization director for the North Dakota Department of Health.
And they accuse us of being selfish.
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Summary
The article explores the alarming number of unvaccinated older Americans and their increased risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19. Despite having higher overall vaccination rates, pockets of unvaccinated seniors remain, particularly in certain regions, complicating efforts to control the virus. Misinformation and distrust in government and medical advice are significant barriers to vaccination. The consequences of these unvaccinated populations extend beyond their health, impacting community transmission rates and straining healthcare resources.
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