MEMPHIS, Tenn. — In Monday’s Ransom Note: the two Americas when it comes to getting vaccinated for COVID-19.
Cases are surging especially in places like the Mid-South with high percentages of people unvaccinated, and we're hearing more from frustrated people like Elma King who's one of only 27% of those in Crittenden County, Arkansas, who've had a shot.
“I got my COVID shot, why everybody else can't get theirs?,” King said.
I understand where Elma's coming from. We know the vaccine protects us and those we love. Monday, 55 medical organizations recommended that all hospitals and clinics require their staffs get vaccinated. Immediately, veterans hospitals agreed, which means just two of our hospitals are requiring vaccines: the VA and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. But so far, crickets from Methodist, Baptist, Regional One, and St. Francis. Doctors say Elma has the right idea.
“If everybody just go on and we work together and get this done, everything will be OK,” said King.
But unless that happens, predictions are this surge will get a lot worse. If you're as tired of hearing about COVID as we are reporting about it, we need to understand each other better. So, let's talk about it: if you're still not vaxxed, why not?
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