Should I get the COVID vaccine now even though I technical qualify for it?

[clutterbox1830]

Before we begin, I'm not saying afraid or the vaccine or anything like that, but I think the rollout phases are so broad in my state (PA). In addition to health care professionals and 65+ older, PA phase 1a include:

Persons ages 16-64 with high-risk conditions:
Cancer
Chronic kidney disease
COPD
Down Syndrome
Heart conditions, such as heart failure, coronary artery disease, or cardiomyopathies
Immunocompromised state (weakened immune system)
Obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 30 kg/m2 or higher but < 40 kg/m2)
Severe Obesity (BMI ? 40 kg/m2)
Pregnancy
Sickle cell disease
Smoking
Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Mass vaccination sites started to open up in my area and open to all Phase 1a applicants. I do technically qualify for phase 1a according to the state's eligible checker. I am classified as obese even though most will not considered me fat. It's mostly due high muscle mass and also I'm short. 5'2" ~195 lbs. I hear stories of a lot of people in my area having a hard time finding a vaccine. I know since I've helped a number of friends/family signed up for a vaccine for the past few week but I've run out of people from "my pool." I am willing to assists others, but some are wary given out information to a total stranger and some people want to do it themselves. If slots are available should I sign up or wait and hope that someone more worthy gets it instead?

[Srkdqltr]

1. Don't wait. Sign up. Get the vaccine.

[Ocelot II]

2. Do it. The more people get vaccinated sooner,

the better off we all are. If you don’t get sick that means you won’t spread it and some other people won’t have to take care of you.

[we can do it]

3. Get it as soon as you can.

[clutterbox1830]

4. Thank for your input!

[snowybirdie]

5. Get the shot

You are worthy! Keep safe and well, my friend.

[Pobeka]

6. Young with comorbidity is not the same as old and no comorbidity.

I just looked up this data.

For example, for people who get infected:

Data source 1
For the entire population of people (according to the CDC), which includes those with and without comorbidities
a 50-64 year old person is 400 times more likely to die than a 17 year old.


How does comorbidities affect fatality rate for those who get infected?

Data source 2
In a study looking at about 1/2 million cases:

1 comorbidity increases the odds of dying by a factor of ~1.5
2 comorbidities increases the odds of dying by a factor of ~2.0
3 comorbidities increases the odds of dying by a factor of ~3.0
4 comorbidities increases the odds of dying by a factor of ~4.0
5 comorbidities increases the odds of dying by a factor of ~10.0

Assume that the young folks in data source 1 were completely healthy, and the 50-64 year olds had 5 comorbidities -- we'd then expect the older folks fatality rate to only be 10x more than the young folks. But it isn't, it's 400x! Missed by a factor of 40 with the assumption that only comorbidities matter, and only old folks have comorbidities.

*what that means* -- age is dramatically more important than comorbidities on odds of dying, by at least a factor of 40 comparing 17 yr olds to 50-64 year olds.

If you are 40-49 years old, the base factor drops from 400x to 130x greater than the 17yr olds.

I'd say, if you are 40+ years old, even though healthy, there is no logical reason to delay your vaccination, you are certainly worthy with regard to risk. Consider this too -- if helping people is something you want to do, the sooner you are vaccinated, the sooner you can help others with dramatically lower risk to yourself.

[Fla Dem]

7. Who's to say everyone in those groups are more worthy than you? Sounds like you're very worthy.

You qualify period. Get it as soon as you can.

[jpak]

8. Get it now

Yup

[Skittles]

9. you ARE worthy now

get it!

[Wolf Frankula]

10. Get it as soon as you can.

n/t

Wolf

[JI7]

11. Just do it if you can . Especially if you are helping others get them.

[Rhiannon12866]

12. If you get the chance, by all means get it!

I thought I'd have to wait weeks or months, but the chance came up and I got shot #1 yesterday. CVS is offering the Moderna vaccine. I am feeling quite relieved.

[Harker]

13. Smokers?

It seems odd that engaging in a demonstrably unhealthy act elevates their vaccine availability.

[In_The_Wind]

14. Please sign up now for the vaccine.

[ailsagirl]

15. Go for it n/t

[Maraya1969]

16. Remember that you getting the vaccine is also protecting other people

I know they say that you can still transmit it after the vaccine but it seems to me that you would have a very low viral load so even if you can transmit it you will transmit a much lower viral load. Plus you still have to wear a mask.