Gen Xers are nerding out after becoming eligible for the AstraZeneca vaccine
As many Canadian provinces lower the AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine’s eligibility age to include people in their 40s (including people born in 1981 who are turning 40 this year), members of Generation X are making light of the experience with familiar cultural references.
The 41 to 56-year-olds are taking to Twitter to share their frustrations with booking processes (often via pharmacies, not centralized like the Pfizer/Moderna stream) and their joy when they finally secure a shot.
A new hashtag has emerged to chronicle the moment: GenXZeneca.
Toronto City Councillor Josh Matlow incorporated seven references to ’80s and ’90s shows and one song in his tweets encouraging GenXers to get vaccinated.
“Whether you believe Family Matters, you’re Married with Children or you care about Perfect Strangers, register to get your AstraZeneca shot! Yes, every pharmacy is a Full House now. But if you care about Family Ties, take the Quantum Leap & be part of the “A” Team!” he tweeted.
#GetVaccinated pic.twitter.com/ylXetBgbnG
— Josh Matlow (@JoshMatlow) April 22, 2021
Pat Benatar’s 1980 song Hit Me With Your Best Shot seems like an appropriate tweet or Instagram caption for many GenXers.
For some people who are wondering how to get to the pharmacy, the DeLorean time machine is a good bet, according to meteorologist Barry Lough.
#COVID19AB – Heard there’s a Rush for #AstraZeneca in Alberta this week. Will I be able to find parking? #GenXZeneca pic.twitter.com/oUrlxZnSAl
— Barry Lough (@stuffintheair) April 22, 2021
For others, it’s about remembering questionable toys they grew up with to encourage others that getting the vaccine is safe.
If you grew up with this toy.. Taking the AstraZeneca shot is of little risk in comparison. #GenX #GenXZeneca pic.twitter.com/xgEH6Aa2Me
— 303 Dreams (@303Dreams) April 22, 2021
Besides birth year, GenXers can also refer to key fashion and musical milestones to confirm they’re eligible for the vaccine.
If you have a picture of yourself from middle school wearing a Blossom style bucket hat, you are currently eligible for the AZ vaccine at participating pharmacies in BC ✌🏻 #GenXZeneca pic.twitter.com/M3ORdvo2df
— Naomi McC (@NaomiMcC__) April 21, 2021
Team #GenXZeneca!
Didn’t need to show ID, just a Pearl Jam Ten CD. pic.twitter.com/sI5WsOf5ST
— Heather Badenoch (@HeatherBadenoch) April 22, 2021
Just received my Covid-19 vaccine. Yes, for those eagle-eyed among you, that is a vintage Sonic Youth shirt I wore to my vaccination. Generation-X represent. #GenXZeneca pic.twitter.com/67hI0sFLHl
— Matt Capel (@plaidgandalf) April 21, 2021
If your sunscreen was baby oil and you thought Sun In was a great hair colour, you are now eligible for a vaccine in ONT. #GenXZeneca
— Kimberly (@Hunshine) April 21, 2021
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What does getting the shot feel like? Ontario teacher Margot Burnell compared it to finally getting her hands on a coveted Cabbage Patch doll.
Got my first dose of the Astra Zeneca vaccine today!! I feel as lucky as I did when I got a Cabbage Patch Kid in 1983! #GenXZeneca pic.twitter.com/pE92V3pCKJ
— Margot Burnell (@mags_burnell) April 21, 2021
Turns out all of Gen X’s experiences snagging concert tickets also came in handy for booking an appointment.
I have so enjoyed all the throwbacks to my childhood today. Gen X rocks – all the way down to the pharmacy. Who knew that the skills we used to get concert tickets and cabbage patch dolls would prepare us so well for the vaccine rollout in Ontario?! https://t.co/kWdaeaMsmw
— Meaghan Hegarty (@MegHegarty) April 20, 2021
Gen X securing their online vaccine appointments like a generation that has been snagging hot concert tickets since forever.
— Buzz (@BuzzDankyear) April 19, 2021
Keep it up, Gen X. Maybe one day we’ll all be able to buy concert tickets again.