‘Not fair’
Big Island COVID roulette is a life or death game, and it’s not fair.
I registered for vaccination online on the first day we were told those in the 75-and-older category were permitted to do so. I followed the rules and received a message that I successfully submitted my information and would receive another message within two days with an appointment date. I received a map of where to go at Hilo Medical Center to receive the shot after I had an appointment.
I have had no further reply. It’s almost three weeks later.
Friends in my 75-and-older group who registered much later than I did are already scheduled for an initial dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. I am happy for them, but where am I in the waiting line?
Monday’s Tribune-Herald carried more information about how to register to be vaccinated. I began to call the numbers announced — HMC, Department of Health in Hilo and the DOH in Honolulu, the helpline, the HMC main and volunteer numbers and more.
I was unable to leave messages because all mailboxes were full. Sometimes, the message said to call back “later” or to call back during business hours, when I was already calling during business hours.
Operators at HMC gave me a new number with an extra (secret?) prompt number, but that got me to the same “mailboxes are full” recording. I was transferred repeatedly or told that the operator would “put me through directly,” but still all mailboxes were full.
Walk-in registrations are not permitted.
One operator suggested I get my doctor to intercede for me, and I might be given an appointment. How does that work, exactly? I registered online as instructed. How long must I expect to wait if later registrants and those with some kind of “pull” can receive appointments before I do?
I was told that those answering the vaccine information numbers are “volunteers,” and there are not enough of them. I offered to sign up to volunteer but could not find out how to apply.
I must stress that every operator was very polite, patient and understanding, as is the Hawaiian way. However … who is in charge of running the COVID roulette wheel for Hawaii Island?
Nan Sumner-Mack
Hilo
Teachers and vaccines
Mr. Charles Hanson’s letter (Tribune-Herald, Jan. 31) about vaccine priorities shook me up.
I am a teacher who signed up for the shot when I was allowed, but I thought our kupuna had been given priority — right after medical professionals.
Teachers are probably prioritized because folks want their keiki back in school. I’m on board with this. But it is because I value education — the irreplaceable knowledge our elders can share — that I would not want to line jump!
Connie Leyendecker
Hakalau
Great care
My mother passed away at our home peacefully in her sleep in December.
She lived with us for the last 16 months of her life. Her greatest desire was to be at home when she died, and even though she became somewhat delusional and completely bedridden the last few weeks, we were able to honor her request because of the awesome staff of Hawaii Care Choices, formerly known as Hospice of Hilo. We want to thank all the staff, especially Adam and Laura. They were so kind and caring, not only to my mom, but to my husband and I as well.
The staff at Pohai Malama were also so great with my mom for five nights so we could get a respite.
My mother spent her last months of life being surrounded by family and wonderful caregivers. We couldn’t have done it without you.
Denise Drake and the family of Lola Watkins
Hilo