Pearls Before Swine by Stephan Pastis for March 25, 2021

Rat, they will beat you to a pulp with their canes and walkers.

It looks like this was written a month ago. Some states are planning to open it up to all adults in early April.

I’m 72. Unless something goes bad, like supplying countries withholding vaccines, I will be vaccinated before dinner today.

It’s great that the supply is getting to the point where we can see the end (July, maybe even June).

Does Rat really want to be be rude to somebody that has several needles?

I’m way before 75 (by about 40 years), but grocery workers are one of the top priority people to get the vaccine early. Luckily on one of my days off earlier this week I got my first of two after talking with the human resources director, a front-end manager, and then the in-store pharmacists all about how to get it during a personal grocery run. The pharmacy called me later the same day saying I could come in.

Forget it, Rat; with those spindly arms of yours, they’d cream you.

Alaska and Mississippi allow anyone 16 and older to get the vaccine right now.

Our neighbors (under 65) signed up with some local pharmacies. If there are leftover doses at the end of the day, they get a call and if they can get there in ten minutes they can get the shot.

Please, please, don’t do anything that could delay the distribution of vaccines to those who need it…

Rat just donated a considerable sum to Gavin Newsom’s political fund.

Newsom can’t afford allowing any of his significant contributors to get sick.

you might be 75 in Rat years Rat. 2 1/2 human years equals 75 Rat years so get your shot!

when i see how weak and sickly a lot of kids look these days i’m tempted to step aside and let them take my place in line…

Love it.

To all of those who are getting vaccinated, Welcome to the IBIS-IGV Club. We are truly non-discriminatory (well except for those under 16, but we’re hoping that will change soon). Please be patient though. It will take time for us to open our membership to everyone regardless of age, sex, race, religion, political party affiliation, sexual orientation, etc., but we are committed to becoming the largest club in the world.

For those of you who are hesitant to become a member, we encourage you to reconsider. Rest assured though, that our doors will always be open if you eventually decide that you want to join.

Get the VAX, but DON’T RELAX! Stay vigilant! Wear you mask!"

For some, it’s the reward for one year of imprisonment.With no visitors allowed.

You can get to head of the line if you are rich enough or politically connected

This too shall pass ….

Got my vaccine yesterday under the “Waste Avoidance” programme, which I like.

In Canada the fine print reads, “75 or older in 2021”; so I was able to get an appointment April 2, even though I’m only 74 until late November. It feels good to jump the queue, even a little.

We need a vaccine to protect us from Rat!

You don’t have to wrestle. Just get a good “political connection” if you know what I mean… and you have to move to Argentina :D

In NJ, smokers get moved ahead. Nice.

This has replaced talking about the weather

In the US many states are giving it to anyone over 16.

Younger people disparaging old people, “geezers,” are wanting to cut in lines so they can live long enough to become one of the geezers some day.

Does “people” apply to Rat, no matter the age?

Just tell them your last name is Cuomo. You’ll go right to the front of the line.

Why do elderly folks get the shots early?

In NY they lowered the “geezer” age to 50. I’ll be fully vaccinated next week. Very excited.

Many states have expanded beyond 70 – though the parameters often make no sense – like Colorado’s.

Got both shots…. two weeks ago…..still have to wear a mask and distance….variants are on the way and eager to infect anyone careless! Like the bikers by the 350,000’s, and the spring breakers, and the ignorants who refuse to go by mandates…and the blatantly stupid governors who opened their states up while it’s still raging! It’s a health crisis, not a political crisis! Duh!

Rat maybe proves jerks should be at the back of the vaccine line.

Yes, it’s your choice to refuse the vaccine. It was also my son’s choice to work 48 hour weeks in the covid ward taking care of those who were infected, but someone had to do it. So, the fact that he has been in the hospital since Thanksgiving with first the covid and then the damage it did to his body, I guess you could say was the result of both of your decisions. Somehow, I have a lot more respect for his choice than for yours.

I’m 75 Rat. You can have mine, I’ve declined it twice.

You might do okay wrestling with the guys but the Senior women will eat you for lunch, LITERALLY…..

Rat — dependably unrepentant. Nice to know there is one thing in life we can depend upon.

Arizona is now 16 and older.

I once knew a woman from Cameroon in college. She said she came to the US because she won a lottery in her country, and had to leave her family behind (though she said they came to her later).

I don’t know, people pitted against each other for scarce resources just leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Also 72. Took me two weeks of getting up at 2:30 am and cruising the net for an hour and a half, looking for an appointment near Oregon City. Finally got a tip from a friend, drove an hour, and got my first shot.

Some of the counties around me have done such a good job of getting the early tiers vaccinated that they are opening appointments to anyone over the age of 16.

Apr 5th, Michigan is opening it up to 16 and older.

Doesn’t make much sense to vaccinate the oldsters first.

I’ll be 75 next month, but I’ve had my first shot and get the other one the 31st. They bumped me up a little because I’ve got COPD in both lungs I guess.

Avoid the old guy with the cauliflower ear.

Don’t try to jump line before me Rat, it could be dangerous to you. It could be dangerous to even consider it, however frivolously. I really would miss you, but so it goes.

What happened to all those Grandparents that were willing to risk getting sick to “save the economy for their grandchildren” from last year?

What else would you expect from a rat?

Wrestle them. Easy win.

Meanwhile back at Pearls Before Swine—Rat, you could have gotten one early if you volunteered to be a LAB RAT.

I may be old, Rat, but I have experience with your kind. I’d be like Hulk compared to you….

Hulk smash Rat!

What, is Rat a member of Governor Andrew Cuomo’s family?

I think Rat qualifies as an essential worker: He takes a ball bat to writers of bad puns!

The only places that are letting people jump the line are places where there is not enough demand and their supply will go bad. No ethical problems whatsoever.

I though Rats were always first in line for this kind of stuff

In Soviet Russia…I just went into a mall which had vaccination station installed, and got my shot after waiting for about half an hour. And a second one in 3 weeks.

Look on the bright side. He could be denying the virus’ existence.