Welcome, neighbors! Every Wednesday, we take a step back to look deeper. Whether it’s a headline making waves or a local issue with broader roots, this is our space to learn, reflect, and grow together.
A National Decision with Local Consequences
This past week, The Washington Post published a sobering opinion by Dr. Leana S. Wen titled “On vaccine policy, the worst is yet to come.” She warns that the FDA’s new move to restrict COVID-19 vaccines to adults 65+ and only those with high-risk medical conditions is more than just a policy change. It’s a shift in how our country protects public health.
And for us here on Roosevelt Island, where we are blessed with a large and lively senior community, that decision hits close to home.
What It Means for Roosevelt Island’s Seniors
Access Just Got Harder
Yes, seniors 65+ remain eligible—but the pathway to getting a vaccine is no longer as simple as walking into a pharmacy clinic. Prescriptions, patchwork insurance coverage, and fewer neighborhood vaccine drives mean more hoops to jump through.
The Risk of Confusion and Isolation
We know how important clarity and consistency are for our older neighbors. When federal agencies send mixed signals or make sudden changes, the result can be uncertainty that leads to missed care. And for some, the feeling of being forgotten.
Why Vaccines Still Matter
- COVID-19 is still most dangerous for older adults. Protection is not optional.
- Vaccines are community care. Each shot helps protect not just the individual but their family, their neighbors, and the island we all share.
- Medical consensus is strong. Vaccines remain one of the safest and most effective tools we have.
How We Can Respond as a Community
- Spread clarity. Remind each other that seniors remain eligible.
- Support the process. Help neighbors with scheduling, insurance questions, or rides to appointments.
- Lean on trusted voices. Encourage conversations with local providers and pharmacists who know our community.
- Check in. A simple phone call can make the difference between someone getting protected or giving up in confusion.
In Closing
Neighbors, this isn’t just about policy—it’s about people. Our people. The grandparents, mentors, and friends who have shaped Roosevelt Island into the place we love.
So let’s hold fast to what we know works: compassion, information, and care for one another. By staying informed and lifting each other up, we can make sure every neighbor—especially our seniors—feels safe, supported, and empowered to protect their health.
We’re in this together. Always.
Susan Rosenthal, a Sacrificial Lamb?*
After Susan Rosenthal was fired, David Kraut would talk about almost anything except Susan. This was unusual because David could discuss a subject long after everyone else had exhausted both the subject and the available oxygen. When her name entered the conversation, however, he became careful. At first I mistook that restraint for discretion; later, I began to recognize guilt.
