Not Throwing Away My Shot

Charlotte Jewish News May 2021

By Mia Lederer

COVID-19 is a disease that started spreading around the world over a year ago, causing a pandemic. It has made millions very sick, and more than 550,000 people in the U.S. alone have died from COVID-19.

Finally, after months of trying, pharmaceutical companies, doctors, and scientists have discovered a vaccine to slow and eventually stop the spread of COVID-19. After a slow start, the U.S. has now (as of April 1) fully vaccinated approximately 15% of its population. The goal is for the U.S. to reach herd immunity.

That would require vaccinating 80-90% of the population. We have a long way to go to achieve herd immunity.

The U.S. could learn from Israel in the way it has handled COVID-19 vaccinations. Israel has vaccinated over 60% of its population. What are we doing wrong? More importantly, what is Israel doing right?

It starts with the fact that Israel has a strong public health system. Israel’s health system is made up of four health maintenance organizations (HMOs). Residents are required to join one of these HMOs (they can choose which one). The infrastructure was already in place for people to be contacted easily with directions on when they could be vaccinated. Israelis trust their HMOs and value their health-care workers. Their vaccination process has been very organized. The groups seeking the vaccine know exactly where to find it. They have a steady supply of vaccinations coming in, and their advanced medical files can tell exactly who needs it and reach out if they haven’t gotten it.

It’s no secret many people in the U.S. will choose not to be vaccinated. Studies have shown that one out of four Americans refuse to take the life-saving vaccine. In Israel, only about 4% say they will not get vaccinated. Israel had excellent communication strategies so that its citizens were less fearful. The country also enticed people with food, DJs, and a celebration-like atmosphere at vaccine centers. Israel has also introduced a “Green Badge” system. An individual receives a green badge after being vaccinated. Many establishments will only be open to those who are vaccinated. Museums, sports venues, libraries, malls, and markets will be open only to people who have their green badge.

We can learn so much from Israel’s vaccine rollout. It is important for the U.S. to understand how we can keep improving so that we can be safe as quickly as possible and return to some semblance of normal.

Mia Lederer is a freshman at Northwest School of the Arts where she is a music major; she plays the viola in the orchestra. Mia attends Hebrew High as well as LIBERTY events at Temple Beth El. Mia is also a music Madricha at Temple Beth El Religious School. Mia lives in Matthews, North Carolina with her mom, dad, sister and dog. She enjoys hanging out with her family and friends, baking and reading. In the future she dreams of becoming an orchestra teacher.