But Benjamin Kagan of Chicago Vaccine Angels is taking the legwork out for those who don’t have the time, resources, or computer knowledge to locate a dose.
The 14-year-old finds out where and when vaccines are available and makes appointments for people on a waiting list.
“It’s a great feeling to be able to help people. I personally helped 115 people,” said Kagan.
Kagan first discovered he had a knack for navigating the vaccine system when he helped his grandparents who live in Florida. During that time, he spent hours remotely navigating that state’s various websites during the winter break and finally got appointments.
“I just kept trying,” Kagan said. “We had four computers open and we tried them all and I was just lucky.”
Then Kagan heard about a group called Vaccine Hunters. Initially, he volunteered with the Chicago branch and gave tips on how to locate the vaccine.
“I started getting all these private messages saying, Benjamin, we need help, Benjamin, I can’t book it myself, Benjamin, please help me,” he said.
Kagan made a spreadsheet of an ever-growing list of people who need vaccines and places where doses are available.
He said he found them by scouring websites for pharmacies and supermarkets, especially late at night. That database helped him start his own group, Chicago Vaccine Angels.
“He has a huge heart,” said his mother Ali Kagan. “He’s a kid who has always had a huge heart, a lot of time and love for his grandparents and I think this translates because he realizes how difficult it is, especially for seniors.”
It was also difficult for Ashley Novoa, whose community work takes her in and out of shelters. With Kagan’s help, she secured the vaccine.
“We have these people who come up and then another teenager who can do things outside with his friends. So it’s great,” said Novoa.
“It’s just an incredibly satisfying feeling to be able to say that I helped this person. Maybe I saved their lives,” said Kagan.
Kagan said he would like to see just one website listing all the places in the area that offer vaccines and the times they are available.
In the meantime, he said he likes to do whatever he can to help.
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