NEW YORK—Across the country, COVID-19 vaccine rollout has kicked off. Most states are still in the early phases of vaccination, which usually includes older, more vulnerable members of the population, and certain frontline and health care workers. In many states, those health care workers include ECPs. For many, receiving a COVID-19 vaccine is a cause for hope, joy and celebration. Although we’ve lived through unimaginable terror and grief for the past 10 months, vaccination is a sign both of how far we’ve come and how far we can still go. To honor the science that got us here, many in the optical community have taken to social media to share the news of their vaccinations—and to share what The Cut is calling “The Vaxxie,” or the Vaccination Selfie.

This weekend, we’re diving in and taking a look at The Vaxxie in the optical community.

Vaccine distribution across the country continues to be a moving topic, one still unfolding for essential vision care businesses. Last week, WebMD shared a state-by-state guide to vaccine information, which is available on their website. Medscape also shared guidance for people with underlying medical conditions who are considering getting the vaccine.

In the 18th wave of the ECP Coronavirus Survey, Jobson Medical Information found that 54 percent of 18th Wave respondents said they would "absolutely" get a vaccine when it becomes available, and another 19 percent saying they "think" they will. In addition, 61 percent of all 18th Wave respondents said they felt the availability of the vaccine was very important to a full business recovery and 72 percent of all respondents at the end of December said they would "encourage" their staff to be immunized, while only 15 percent said they would "require" this of staff.

When it comes to administering the vaccine, 37 percent of respondents said they'd like to see optometrists offer COVID vaccines in their state, while a majority, or 63 percent, said they would not. Twenty-two percent of respondents said they would be willing to deliver a COVID vaccine to their patients, while 25 percent said they would be willing to deliver a COVID vaccine to those that their state determines would need it.

As the vaccine rollout continues to ramp up, we will learn more about who is eligible to receive the vaccine, and who is able to administer it. Stay tuned to VisionMonday.com and VMAIL.



At Dr. Chinn’s Vision Care in San Diego, California, both Dr. Chinn and his daughter Dr. Jenn received their vaccines this week. So far, the only side effects they’ve reported are soreness at the site of injection. Image via drchinnsvisioncare on Instagram.


Mei Fleming, OD, who practices at Luminance Vision in Lafayette, California, celebrated a new year and new antibodies while getting her vaccine. Image via drmeifleming on Instagram. 


The team at Orange Circle Optometry in Orange, California, got vaccinated—even though it meant waiting in line for two hours. Image via orangecircleoptometry on Instagram.


Drs. Walker and Story, ODs and sisters who practice at Double Vision Eyecare in Georgia, received their vaccines early in January. Image via doublevision_eyecare on Instagram. 


Liz Moore, OD, who practices at Eye Center of Southern CT, had the second dose of the vaccine last week and shared one of the biggest side effects: the urge to post about it on social media. Image via dr.liz.moore on Instagram.


In Indio, California, Athena Brasfield, OD, of Coachella Valley Optometry was able to get her vaccine too. Image via drbrasfield on Instagram.


The team at Park Slope Eye in New York City showed off the all-important sticker after vaccination dose number one. Image via parkslopeeye on Instagram.


Some students have been able to get vaccinated, too. C. Heather, an OD student at Arizona College of Optometry, received the first dose of the Moderna vaccine. Image via seeheather on Instagram.