All across the world, people are sharing “vaccine selfies.” Finally, it seems like real relief and recovery are on the way, as more than 90 million doses have been administered since early December.
The more people are vaccinated, the more likely we can stop the pandemic and new variants popping up across the globe. Right now, providers are administering as many as 2.2 million shots each day.
Experts say if 70 to 90 percent of the country is vaccinated, we could reach the coveted “herd immunity,” stalling the spread. By September, we may well reach this amazing milestone. Thus, there is a good reason for hope, and wow, do we need it right now.
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Time with Loved Ones Again!
Already, the CDC has released new guidelines for fully vaccinated Americans. Now, the federal health officials say those fully vaccinated may gather with other fully vaccinated and low-risk people indoors –with masks off! After over a year of lockdowns, this is truly spectacular news!
Notably, the experts also recommend wearing masks and social distancing in public as usual. After over a year, it has become second-nature for most of us. If we get to see loved ones again at home, we aren’t complaining about mask-wearing elsewhere one tiny bit!
“We know that people want to get vaccinated so they can get back to doing the things they enjoy with the people they love,” said CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky in a statement.
After so long in isolation, knowing a vaccine means we can meet with loved ones indoors again is overwhelming! Judging by the look of these vaccine selfies, that’s what others are feeling right now too!
Never again will we take our moments together for granted, and each hug is a priceless gift. With that in mind, please enjoy these vaccine selfies we spotted on social media. #vaccineselfies
Vaccine Selfies in the Frozen Yukon
Gurdeep Pandher of Yukon moved to Whitehorse, in Yukon, Canada, from India as a child. Since a teenager, he has loved the traditional dance called Bhangra practiced in Punjab. Over the last 25 years, he has taught Bhangra dancing in Canada.
Due to the pandemic, he has been teaching online, performing even during freezing temperatures. It’s his way of spreading hope and happiness.
To be sure, Pandher, who is Sikh, loves to share his joy through dance, sharing daily on social media. But this time, he’s shared his celebration the day after getting his vaccine. This Canadian lake may be frozen solid, but he’s burning up the frozen dance floor.
Whitehorse began vaccinating people 18 and older, and he was thrilled to get his shot.
“After that, I need to give a message to people, to those who aren’t sure about the vaccine,” he told Canada’s national radio. “Just to give a reassurance that it’s going to be fine. Like I can go to a frozen lake and do this high-energy Bhangra dancing. It’s going to be safe for you. Probably, you are not going to dance, but things will be ok for you,” he said.
A Viral Dance
The next day, Pandher was enthralled to see that two million people shared his happy dance. So, he shared another video, this time outside his cabin.
“I’m happy I was able to raise awareness about the vaccine for the wellness of all people,” he said.
Now, Gurdeep has become an international sensation, sharing his joy for dance and health. Recently, the BBC shared his dance with the Canadian Armed Forces.
Yesterday, he shared a special dance wearing a shirt that says, “Conquer COVID-19,” a shout-out to the Toronto-based nonprofit supporting frontline workers.
The joy that he exudes is just phenomenal and encouraging!
Nurses Share Vaccine Selfies
In Galveston County, Texas, subfreezing temperatures recently created hazardous conditions. However, that didn’t stop nurse practitioners from making sure homebound patients got their second vaccine shots.
These nurses visited patients in person, bringing the shots along with a cozy blanket, hot chocolate, and breakfast! Although the power was out in the area, they made the best of it, reported the Galveston Daily News.
“We gave vaccine by flashlights inside people’s homes because they have no power,” said Jennifer Young, a nurse practitioner who works in a program for homebound elderly residents.
In one case, Young also helped when a pipe had burst, arranging someone to help turn off the water.
“It was a privilege to go out and help people,” Young said. “We had the resource,s and we were actually able to make a difference. We were giving people exactly what they needed at that time.”
The heroic nurses were happy to help underserved and vulnerable people in their community as part of the ongoing senior home care program. As a result of people like Young, Galveston County has one of Texas’s highest vaccination rates.
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Jessica Peck shared a vaccine selfie, thanking nurses for their efforts. As they provide life-saving shots, they also reassure often anxious patients.
“I’ve given 10s of 1000s of injections, and you usually have to calm anxious nerves and talk people through who look away. Nurses everywhere are like, go ahead; I’ll film.”
Las Vegas Vaccine Selfies
KTNV Las Vegas shared a story about vaccine selfies and the way they are spreading on social media. The report suggests that the photos have a powerful message as they encouraged people and stop disinformation.
“They are showing up in our timelines and friend feeds, those photos of people with their sleeves rolled up after a COVID vaccine, and it turns out the selfies are providing a powerful safety message,” stated KTNV.
By sharing the selfies with the hashtag #RUVacinnated or #vaccinated, people let others know it’s safe.
“I had many colleagues that posted their own vaccine selfies, and I had quite a bit of FOMO or fear of missing out,” said Dr. Christina Madison from Roseman University.
Madison said she received overwhelmingly positive comments when she posted her vaccine selfie on social media.
“As a woman of color as well as a healthcare professional, I thought it was really important for me to document my vaccine journey,” she said.
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A post shared by Dr. Christina Madison (@thepublichealthpharmacist)
Madison recently retweeted a vaccine selfie with NBA legend Spencer Haywood when he received his first vaccine.
KTNV noted that while the vaccine selfies are encouraging, it’s a good idea to ask for permission before taking selfies in clinics. Sometimes, privacy concerns may prohibit taking photos, so be sure to ask first.
Then share away! We’re thrilled to see that people are encouraging others to get vaccinated. Sharing helps stop the spread of the virus and disinformation. Plus, it’s a moment to celebrate after such a long time of uncertainty and isolation.
See the video from KTNV below:
Featured image: Screenshots via YouTube