Securing a Vaccine: A Battle Worthy of Gaming Consoles
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The Challenge of Accessing Vaccines
Acquiring a vaccine should ideally be simpler than purchasing a PlayStation 5. However, my recent experience trying to buy the console underscores the significant obstacles many face in vaccine distribution.
On February 13, 2021, at my improvised home workspace, I had my Mac, iPhone, and iPad open on Best Buy's website, all focused on the PlayStation 5. Meanwhile, my husband Max had his devices set up in his home office, equally intent on securing the elusive console. As the clock approached 10 a.m. Pacific Standard Time, the only sound filling the air was our frantic clicking of refresh buttons. We had been striving for over a month to purchase a PS5, but every time we neared success, the console disappeared from our cart before we could finalize the transaction.
It felt like a race against automated bots.
These bots, programmed to carry out repetitive online tasks, caused chaos for holiday shoppers aiming to snag Sony's latest console. Dubbed "Grinch bots," these digital scalpers would purchase the entire stock within moments, leaving consumers to face inflated prices on platforms like eBay. Walmart reported blocking a staggering 20 million bot attempts in a mere half-hour on Black Friday.
The surge in online shopping driven by the pandemic has led to an increase in such automated exploitation. While scalpers have long used bots to profit from limited-edition sneakers and concert tickets, their intrusion into essential goods—like vaccines—poses a new threat. The Biden administration's announcement to distribute 1 million vaccine doses to 6,500 retail pharmacies has raised alarms among cybersecurity experts, warning that appointment slots might soon become prime targets for these digital marauders.
As demand for Covid-19 vaccines skyrocketed, social media was flooded with posts detailing the challenges of making appointments. The PS5 debacle has made retailers cautious about potential bot interference. Representatives from both Walgreens and CVS have indicated they are preparing for high website traffic and enhancing cybersecurity to counteract automated attacks.
Section 1.1: Vaccine Appointment Challenges
In a recent statement, Walmart announced that once they receive their vaccine allocation from the federal government, eligible customers could book appointments directly through their website's scheduling tool. However, they noted that while striving for equitable access, appointments would only be available while supplies last.
The Biden administration’s strategy to combat the pandemic emphasizes equitable vaccine access, acknowledging the stark disparities that hinder marginalized communities. For many in these groups, limited access to high-speed internet or the ability to wait on hold for hours complicates their chances of securing a vaccine, emphasizing how technological inequality impacts those most vulnerable.
The first video, titled "Playing PUBG on PS5 for the FIRST TIME EVER," showcases the excitement of gaming enthusiasts as they dive into new experiences on the latest console.
Chapter 2: The Hope of Vaccines Amidst Struggles
As the Covid-19 death toll rises, the vaccine represents a beacon of hope for millions yearning for a return to normalcy. Our struggle to obtain a game console mirrors the hardships faced by countless Americans who lack the resources—be it multiple devices, high-speed internet, or the ability to work from home—to secure a vaccine appointment. Though Covid-19 vaccines are free for all, the challenges in accessing them often come at a steep price.
The second video, "Call of Duty Warzone is not fair (PC vs Console)," discusses the disparities in gaming experiences across platforms, reflecting broader themes of inequity in access and opportunity.