You Got Your Vaccine (Yay!)—Just Don't Be a *Vaxhole* About It

You probably first spotted them on social media when vaccines started rolling out. And then more and more sprung up as COVID vaccinations became more widespread. Who are they? The vaxholes. Don’t worry, we explain.

So, what exactly is a “vaxhole”?

A vaxhole, according to Urban Dictionary, is a person “who has been fully vaccinated for the COVID-19 virus and brags about it.” While we’re happy and relieved for anyone who gets vaccinated, vaxholes take it to another level.

There are the lowkey vaxholes

This tier of vaxhole might’ve been showing off their new-found immunity on social media long before their peers had access to the shots (kinda vaxholey). Or maybe they’re the type that prioritizes brand name. While it doesn’t matter which shot you end up getting (as long as you make the choice that’s right for you), a vaxhole might brag about getting the Pfizer shot and put down a friend who got Johnson & Johnson. (Not cool.)

The vaxhole who stops caring about other people

They go maskless to a crowded public space making people around them scared and uncomfortable and they toss all social distancing and safety protocols aside just because they can’t get sick. Major vaxhole.

So, how do you avoid being a vaxhole?

If we're being honest, there’s really nothing wrong with being enthusiastic about getting your full dose of shots. (And please, get both shots if that's the recommended plan!) After being stuck inside for a year+, maybe that 24-part Insta story saga detailing your decision to get the vaccines, when and where you’re getting them, how sore your arm is after the fact and that post-vax selfie with your reward Krispy Kreme doughnut is essential to your healing. So yeah, the social media bragging is a non-issue once you consider the truly problematic vaxholes, like the kind with an outspoken brand bias that could wind up spreading misinformation or the vaxhole that disregards the safety of other people. As with anything else online, always refer to the pros (medical professionals and the CDC) and if you don't want to be a vaxhole, respect the safety rules wherever you are (whether it's a grocery store or an airplane).

Of course, with the way the vaccine was rolled out so fast, there is a lot of understandable angst in the atmosphere. If someone comes to you and expresses their doubt about getting the vaccine, you can be informative without being judgmental or pushy. There are many resources such as the CDC and FDA you can defer to if you feel like you don’t have the right information.

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