Not everyone can receive a Covid vaccine. Despite what most every parent I know wishes, people under the age of 5 are not eligible to receive a Covid vaccine. So when the Mayor and D.C. government officials messaging is everyone in your family can get vaccinated, it’s a good reminder people under the age of 5 are not considered family members.

I am a parent. As a parent, I’m frustrated on a daily basis and that frustration grows because it seems like my kid won’t get vaccinated any time soon and the leader of the free world is warning everyone about a winter of severe illness and death for the unvaccinated. But whatever, the world does not need another as-a-parent-blah-blah-blah rant. 

But I’m also an editor. As an editor, I take offense to statements like, “It’s now easy for the whole family to get vaccinated together.” It is not easy because it is not possible. The statement, while well meaning, is false.

This is not about fear-mongering. I do not wish officials were saying, “Your kids are in danger!!! Never leave the house!!!” But consistent, accurate messaging may drive home the fact that not every family member is able to receive a vaccine. This may encourage those that have been vaccinated to properly wear masks (I know this is wishful thinking but it’s something). So maybe instead of, “It’s now easy for the whole family to get vaccinated together,” how about “It’s easy for most everyone 5 and up to get vaccinated.”

I am not in fear of catching the seemingly inevitable. I also do not think this Mayor and any other elected official can do much of anything to encourage anyone still refusing to get a vaccine to get a vaccine. But there’s nothing stopping anyone from using words correctly.

And there’s nothing stopping the Mayor or any other elected official to correctly wear a mask. It needs to cover your nose. 

The mask needs to cover your nose. 

My 2-year-old knows how to cover their nose. 

This thing is never going to end because so many people don’t cover their nose. 

Why can’t you cover your nose? Why are you even wearing a mask? Do you not know why you’re wearing a mask? 

This is never going to end.

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