Navigating the "Glimmer of Hope": Challenges and Resilience among U.S. Older Adults in Seeking COVID-19 Vaccination

Abstract

During the early distribution of the COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S., older adults aged 65 and above were prioritized in states such as Florida. The distribution primarily relied upon online systems of appointment reservations. This paper investigates the sociotechnical challenges faced by older adults in the U.S., who tend to have relatively low digital literacy, while attempting to seek and secure COVID-19 vaccine appointments. The challenges included issues with the fragmentation of appointment systems, lack of transparency in vaccination information, and technical challenges in navigating online systems. This paper discusses the emotional burdens experienced by older adults in this process, and unpacks the ways in which older adults have navigated through these challenges and their resilient strategies for seeking appointments. This paper identifies opportunities for future CSCW work in investigating citizens' infrastructuring work (especially the informal work carried out by vulnerable groups) in the wake of disrupted vaccination infrastructure and neoliberal governance.