It’s been nearly a year since the first COVID-19 vaccine was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Many Americans have gotten the shot, including 50% of teens in the United States. Soon, younger children from 5-11 years old will also be eligible for the vaccine. Americans abroad are having trouble finding their first vaccine dose all while Americans at home are becoming eligible for a third “booster” dose. Expats argue that, as they are American citizens and taxpayers, that they too should be given full access to the vaccine. Those who have attempted to request vaccines from the federal government, have had their pleas denied. Rather than send vaccines abroad, the government is encouraging expats to return back to the U.S. to get vaccinated. Many are limited by traveling costs and restrictions. Others are afraid of contracting COVID-19 without the protection of immunization – a risky chance to take.
Meanwhile, the U.S. is sending out doses of the vaccine to various other nations as supply increases. Indonesia, for example, excluded it’s foreign residents from obtaining those doses donated from the United States. As those in the U.S. debate the value of a third dose, Americans living abroad are still struggling to get their first.
Written by Qwyen Le of Cabin John Middle School
“Syringe and Vaccine” by NIAID is licensed under CC BY 2.0