Dismissive leaders

Pardon my respectful indignation. We are overlooking a significant number of Illinois residents who are unable to register for COVID vaccinations. There is a system glitch and it needs attention.

Without internet access, some seniors are living in fear and anxiety, unable to register online for the vaccine and with no easy alternative. Phone lines are ill-publicized and jammed when called.

On Jan. 25, Illinois residents 65 and over became eligible to receive vaccines. Prior to that, elderly patients in nursing homes were eligible.

But seniors in nursing homes represent only a small portion of our state's youngest members of the "Greatest" and oldest members of the "Silent" generation. An HHS publication, April 2018 Profile of Older Americans is online. So are estimates of total U.S. population. By my calculations, there are over 1 million seniors 75 or older in Illinois who are not in nursing homes.

From first-hand experience, I believe most of them are afraid of and reject internet connectivity. As a senior in this demographic, I consider myself quite adept at using a computer to keep abreast of latest developments. I also Zoom with seniors all over the world.

So what can our fellow Illinois seniors do without internet access? A few friends and I are trying to get the word out and spread information about resources available to register for vaccinations by phone.

However, It is difficult, often frustrating, advocating on their behalf. Only a handful of local elected government officials and community leaders or their representatives want to get involved. Most are dismissive or leave us in voicemail purgatory.

Will I be in the same boat when I lose my abilities?

Michael Yublosky

Buffalo Grove