The headline in this morning’s newspaper read, “Without strategy to avoid crowds, vaccination against COVID-19 begins in Oaxaca.” Here in the greater Oaxaca de Juárez metropolitan area, there are 11 vaccination sites, distributing 23,090 doses of the Pfizer vaccine to people over 60 years old who have registered on a federal government vaccine eligibility site. Because I am a Residente Permanente (official permanent resident), I also was able to register last month. The vaccinations are scheduled to be given today, tomorrow, and Thursday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and my plan had been to walk over to the Plaza de la Danza, my designated site, at 7:30 this morning.
Given it’s only a block away, early last night my neighbor and I walked over to scope the set up out. Boy, were we in for a shock — masses of people already lined Avenida Morelos, the street leading to the Plaza de la Danza.
The young man above looking at his cell phone, sitting on a stool in front of the School of Fine Arts, was number one in line. He arrived at 8:00 AM yesterday — 24 hours early.
Looking at the photos, I’m sure you are thinking, those people in line are awfully young looking to be over 60 — and you would be correct.
The overwhelming majority of people who were camping out on the sidewalks of the city were holding places for their parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, godparents, and maybe even neighbors who were too old to spend the night on the streets.
The two guys in the foreground below were the last in the line on Galeana near Trujano at about 8:00 PM last night, though a couple more people were approaching as I was taking the photo.
The line snaked along at least six blocks. And, no, I did not join last night’s vigil. I will be patient, check the progress of the line a couple of times a day, and wait comfortably at home. According to a representative from Oaxaca’s Secretaría de Bienestar (Ministry of Welfare), there are enough doses for those registered and, should there be a need, they will get more. ¡Ojala!
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Wow, impressive. I am sharing! It’s good to see so many eager to get the vaccine, and so many younger people saving a space for their elders. Here people are fighting over who deserves it more and disparaging seniors who have not been able to navigate the internet to get a shot.
Respecting elders and responsibility to family is part of the culture here. However, in the US, I have also heard of young people helping seniors navigate the internet maze to find vaccination sites with available vaccine. I hope that is more the rule. 😉
wow…same situation in San Felipe at the school of medicine….lines last night, today lines extending around three sides of the huge block, many in wheelchairs, chairs, with umbrellas…what about toilets for these elderly people? Such thoughtless lack of preparation…
The next day they seemed to be allowing seniors in wheelchairs immediate access. Hopefully, organization will improve. Friends in the US have told me it’s chaos in many locations there.
What great news!! I’m so happy for all who will get the vaccine. A little less than a week ago, I got my second one (moderna) and I feel like a cautious bird approaching an open cage door!
Bravo Mexico!
Congratulations on the second dose!
Bless these sons, daughters and grandchildren who care for their padres and abuelos enough to do this. And good luck to you.
Yes, their respect for and dedication to their elders is heartwarming and a lesson to all.
Buena suerte!
Gracias.
Which shot are they giving?
Which vaccine?
Happily, Pfizer.
[…] Vaccine Arrived and Lines Began from Shannon Sheppard’s Casita Colibri blog. Shannon lives right around the corner from one […]
Thank you so much for posting this. I have friends in Oaxaca and will be returning in December. Despite the atrocious, long lines, at least the vaccines are becoming available which is a blessing to the Oaxacan people. Good for the young people to hold a place in line for the mayores…
Yes, we are all very grateful that our Oaxacan friends and neighbors are getting the vaccine.
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