Line up at 87?
My wife is 87 years old and qualifies for the highest priority in immunization. But the only vaccinations we have in Lee County are on a first come, first served basis. So far, more people have been lined up hours before the injections are given than there are available. Many are lined up more than 12 hours before the facilities even open.
My wife suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure. She is on oxygen 24/7. She needs to catheterize every five hours. Her license was withdrawn a few months ago – the examiner thought she needed too much help getting her license renewed.
So, someone who needs a vaccination the most cannot get one because there is no arrangement in Lee County for vaccination appointments. Great system, eh?
Barry J. McCall, Bonita Springs
Toilet needed too
I agree with all the letters published in The News Press (Wednesday, December 30) regarding the vaccination fiasco. Another comment: You must be healthy enough to stand in line for at least 10 hours, but you also must not need a toilet for at least 10 hours.
Toilets could easily have been made available inside the buildings where the vaccine was administered. What about the vaccines at the JetBlue park and the toilets available?
The ideal situation would have been the appointments, as do other counties. If Lee County still wants to do it on a first come, first serve basis, at least make the facilities available to seniors.
Elaine Paolella, Lehigh Acres
Open schools for photos?
It is unbelievable that the Lee County administration did not have the foresight to open the several high schools and gymnasiums in the county, which are closed for the holiday period, for vaccine distribution (COVID).
Yes, classes can start next week, but these are county buildings that are vacant and have restrooms, parking lots, and hallways for the elderly who sit outside all night waiting for the vaccine. Why are these several dozen high schools not open to the distribution of the vaccine, even after the schools reopen?
Ronald Longman, Cape Coral
Vaccines where they vote?
Here’s an idea: Have the vaccines distributed to residents 65 and over of Naples, Fort Myers, etc., in their designated electoral district. Everyone would know where to go, and it is logistically convenient. Names starting with AC on Monday morning, DF names on Monday afternoon, etc.
Visitors, snowbirds and non-residents 65 years of age and older may have other designated vaccination locations.
So much negativity on the part of writers about the unorganized distribution of the vaccine. Good luck, everyone. Governor DeSantis walked us through this crisis in Florida, and we’re almost there!
Liz Murray, Naples
Just luck for the vaccine?
Thousands of people have shown up for a few hundred shots of COVID-19 in Lee County (last week). Utter chaos reigned, with citizens camping overnight waiting for this dog treat while their neighbors tried to cut the line. Disgusting doesn’t fully describe the mess.
(Wednesday, December 30) Collier County has announced a registration system for COVID-19 limited shots (this) week. In less than an hour, all sites were full, without notice. Inside information?
Our Senator Rubio had no problem slipping in for his vaccination. Of course, our seniors in assisted living facilities are still waiting. Is the promise of Warp Speed.
The promise to get vaccinated at your local drugstore remains a dream, while the nightmare of corruption and incompetence permeates the entire business. And our fearless leader is playing another round of golf.
Richard Martinez, North Naples
Virus lawsuits
Lawsuits have been a problem for Florida for the past decade, and it has only gotten worse. Trial lawyers continue to overpromise big jackpots to find clients they can buy settlements for.
Small businesses across the state are struggling to stay afloat and are now exposed to frivolous COVID-related lawsuits that threaten to bankrupt them. As a businessman, I know how expensive legal fees are and I also know the consequences of this pandemic on the business community.
We need to support our business owners and the workers they employ by doing what CFO Jimmy Patronis and lawmakers suggest: adopt reasonable COVID-19 legal liability protections before it’s too late. Our economy is back in action in Florida. This is one way to continue like this.
Jean-Marc Katzeff, Naples East
Call your doctor for an injection
As I sat here waiting for the governor to call me with my date, time and place of vaccination, I called my primary care physician. I now have a tentative date that meets CDC criteria for a phase 1b citizen.
I don’t know why you would risk standing in a long queue to spread the virus when a little autonomy would have solved your personal selfishness.
Don Rader, Naples East
