Computer-shy elderly are shouldered aside in US vaccination race

Many seniors have been locked out of the vaccine race thanks to a lack of access to and familiarity with smartphones, computers and web-based appointment signups. The problem has worsened as US states open shots to people 65 and older, putting the oldest in competition for rapidly disappearing slots with seniors who are more computer-savvy and mobile. — AFP

As more and more people compete for short supplies of the life-saving Covid-19 vaccine, some of the oldest and most infirm Americans are struggling just to enter the contest.

Tom Yates, 71, who has metastatic prostate cancer, moved out of an assisted-living facility last year to avoid the virus. Now he’s in dire need of a shot, but unable to secure it.