Welcome to the Ask Home Insemination Kit section, where our team offers guidance on everything from life and love to body image and family dynamics. This week, we’re addressing a pressing concern: how to cope when family members criticize you for getting vaccinated early.
Dear Home Insemination Kit,
I recently discovered that the early phase of the COVID vaccine rollout in my state includes individuals with a BMI over 30. While I don’t particularly endorse BMI as a health metric, I decided to take advantage of this rule. Given that my BMI fits the criteria for vaccination in phase 1A, I was able to book an appointment for my COVID vaccine. When I shared this news with my family, I expected relief or happiness. Instead, they shamed me for supposedly taking a spot from someone “more deserving,” like an elderly person or someone with health issues. They implied I’m not “fat enough” to warrant getting vaccinated early and suggested I should wait. What’s the best way to handle this?
There’s a lot to unpack here.
First off, it’s crucial to understand that EVERYONE should get vaccinated. The larger the number of vaccinated individuals, the higher the chances of achieving herd immunity. If you meet the criteria in your state, there’s no such thing as getting the vaccine “too early.”
Now, let’s break this down. If your BMI is above the threshold of 30, you qualify for the vaccine. The government and health professionals have determined that individuals with a higher BMI may face a greater risk of severe illness from COVID-19. While this isn’t a one-size-fits-all measure, it’s a significant factor.
Your eligibility for the vaccine doesn’t diminish anyone else’s need for it. It’s important to remember that priority groups exist for a reason, but there’s no need to engage in a competition over who deserves the vaccine more. Everyone in high-risk categories should have access. The shortcomings in the vaccine rollout are systemic issues, not personal ones. Anger should be directed at the authorities, not at individuals trying to protect their health.
And yes, the BMI is problematic. It categorizes people based solely on height and weight, ignoring many other factors such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall health. It was developed by a mathematician over two centuries ago, not by a health expert. For years, BMI has been weaponized against individuals with larger body types, often leading to harmful and ineffective medical advice.
However, if the federal government is using BMI as a qualification for vaccines, there’s no reason to feel guilty about utilizing it. This could even serve as a catalyst for change in how the medical community views BMI.
Feel free to share this information with your family or remind them that herd immunity is more important than their judgments. If it were me, I’d do both! Congratulations on securing your appointment, and good luck navigating your family dynamics.
For more helpful resources, consider checking out this insightful blog post about donor insemination, or explore home insemination kits for further knowledge.
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Summary:
Navigating family disapproval for getting vaccinated early can be challenging, especially when it stems from misconceptions about BMI and vaccine eligibility. It’s essential to recognize that everyone deserves the vaccine, and utilizing the criteria set by health authorities is a valid choice. Don’t hesitate to communicate your perspective and the importance of herd immunity to your family.