Scheduling Vaccinations Online

[Miharu Barbie]

This is a disturbing new development. I just went to the Walgreen's Pharmacy website to schedule a vaccination. On the screen that requests patient information, there were 3 fields: first name, last name, and "sex at birth".

They used to just ask for "gender". Now they want "sex at birth"?

This feels like stochastic terrorism to me. And maybe an indication that the current regime in DC is positioning the medical community to cut off trans people from healthcare altogether. I hope I'm wrong. In any case, this feels mean, petty and cruel.

☠️
Miharu

[Jessica_Rose]

Sex at birth? I think people should at least wait until their teens to have sex.

I understand there are reasons to ask that question, but not for a simple vaccination. I would err on the side of caution.

Love always -- Jessica Rose

[Sarah B]

Hi Miharu

You said:

This is a disturbing new development.  I just went to the Walgreen's Pharmacy website to schedule a vaccination.  On the screen that requests patient information, there were 3 fields: first name, last name, and "sex at birth". 

They used to just ask for "gender".  Now they want "sex at birth"?

This feels like stochastic terrorism to me.  And maybe an indication that the current regime in DC is positioning the medical community to cut off trans people from healthcare altogether.  I hope I'm wrong.  In any case, this feels mean, petty and cruel. 

☠️
Miharu

Walgreens has complicated the process of getting a vaccine by switching from "gender" to "sex at birth."  Whether this shift is prompted by the government, insurance guidelines, or corporate policies, it raises serious questions about privacy, possible denial of healthcare and limitations on access to medical services.

No matter how you respond to the question, there is a risk involved.  Leaving the field blank might result in denial of services and providing an answer that does not align with your existing records could lead to insurance complications or unwanted disclosures.

Before going through this hassle, is the vaccine truly necessary, or is it something that can wait or be received elsewhere?  If it is essential for your health, there are probably better ways to get it without compromising your privacy.

Honestly, it is just not worth the trouble.  Walgreens seems to be aligning with policies that aim to limit healthcare access, which could set a troubling precedent that goes beyond just vaccines.

Fortunately, there maybe better alternatives.  Many primary care physicians, urgent care facilities, and community clinics provide vaccinations without throwing invasive questions your way.  If you are a VA beneficiary, those services might be a preferable option as well.

So, skip Walgreens.  If the vaccine is truly necessary, get it at a place that values your privacy and does not create unnecessary barriers.

Miharu, please let us know what you decide to do.  Your experience would provide invaluable insight for others on Susan's, helping them navigate similar situations in the future.

Take care and all the best for the future

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Miharu Barbie

[Miharu Barbie]

Thank you, Jessica Rose. I'll take your suggestion to err on the side of caution under advisement. Though "caution" will necessarily mean different things to different people. My gut tells me that Walgreen's is bending to Tyrant Trump's hatred of trans people. It does not feel like too great a stretch to me to speak quietly and advisedly of my budding fear of transgender genocide.

Does genocide seem like to strong a word given the moment. I pray you are right. I fear that I could be on to something real.

🥺
Miharu

[Lori Dee]

Try checking other pharmacies like CVS, if you have those near you. I get mine through the VA because they are free. Actually, I refuse them for free. They offer and I say no thanks. I have been healthier without them since 1990.

I may need them for overseas travel, so I'll have to keep that in mind.

[ChrissyRyan]

Maybe you can just walk in for some vaccines at some places.
Try calling and see if that is available, such as at a "big box" discounter store's pharmacy.

I can see some advantage for the provider and the patient by having a guaranteed appointment though.

[Miharu Barbie]

I canceled my vaccination appointment with Walgreen's and tried to set up an appointment with Safeway Pharmacy. Same thing, the form asks for sex at birth.

This vaccination is the second of a 2 shot series that is incomplete without the second shot. But I'm feeling unsafe and vulnerable. They actually have me crying at my desk at work. Pretty embarrassing.

I'm inclined to skip this vaccination and cancel and write off medical appointments for the foreseeable future. It seems clear that discrimination in healthcare is going to be set policy in America going forward.

All my documents were corrected 25 years ago. It is way too late to reverse course now. How far are these monsters prepared to go to eliminate us from public life? Heaven help us.

😢
Miharu

[Lori Dee]

I canceled my vaccination appointment with Walgreen's and tried to set up an appointment with Safeway Pharmacy. Same thing, the form asks for sex at birth.

This vaccination is the second of a 2 shot series that is incomplete without the second shot. But I'm feeling unsafe and vulnerable. They actually have me crying at my desk at work. Pretty embarrassing.

I'm inclined to skip this vaccination and cancel and write off medical appointments for the foreseeable future. It seems clear that discrimination in healthcare is going to be set policy in America going forward.

All my documents were corrected 25 years ago. It is way too late to reverse course now. How far are these monsters prepared to go to eliminate us from public life? Heaven help us.

😢
Miharu

There is another option. Since all of your ID say "female" put that on their form. Are they really going to demand to see your birth certificate? Probably not. If they ask for it, ask them to see theirs. I bet they don't carry a copy around with them. They carry the same types of ID that you do.

They are not the government, so lying to them carries no penalty. What are they going to do? Repossess the vaccination from your body? Don't risk your health and don't give in to their fear-mongering. As far as anyone knows, you are female. So that is that.

[KathyLauren]

This is a disturbing example of businesses conceding more power to the dictator than he deserves.  There is no legislation requiring them to ask for "sex at birth" instead of gender.  Well, maybe there is state law in Texas or similar places, but there is no such federal law.  Make the b*st*rd pass the legislation before capitulating.  Do these companies not have legal advice?

[Sarah B]

Hi Miharu

In my earlier post, I considered simply checking the 'female' box for you on the form. If they found out that you were lying, the consequences could include:

•   Loss of service from Walgreens.
•   Insurance companies or the VA refusing to cover certain vaccines.
•   Potential legal action for providing false information, possibly leading to fines or, in extreme cases, jail time, though this is highly unlikely.

Over the years, I've adopted a consistent approach to filling out forms:

•   I always select 'female' for gender or sex, regardless of the form's origin.
•   I use my legal name on every form.
•   When asked if I've been known by any other name, I respond 'no' or leave it blank, depending on the question's wording.  There have been a couple of exceptions.

While I recognize that providing misleading information can carry penalties, I don't view my actions as fraudulent.  I value my privacy and I'm prepared to defend my choices if challenged.  I refuse to acknowledge my previous name, that doesn't reflect my true identity.

In the case of police matters, my record is clean, so I consider severe legal consequences to be improbable. This is how I handle forms in my daily life.  I agree with what Lori said, especially the part; "They are not the government, so lying to them carries no penalty.  What are they going to do?"

So, if I were you, I would tick or print 'F' where it asks 'Sex at Birth'. You are female as you so eloquently say "All my documents were corrected 25 years ago.  I have been saying female on forms for 36 years and nothing has happened.

I hope what Lori and I have said helps you in some small way to help you decide what to do.

Take care Miharu and all the best.

Best Wishes Always
Sarah B
Global Moderator
@Miharu Barbie @Lori Dee