Me: Thanks for joining me today; I know you’re super busy.

Vinny: Hey, no problem. It’s nice to have a break from jabbing people all day. I mean, I’m happy to help, but still, it’s nonstop.

Me: Tell me a bit about your day to day.

Vinny: Oh yeah, it’s crazy. An insane amount of travel all across the world! You should see my passport. And people come to see me! Lines, phones ringing off the hook, people trying to get backstage passes. I’m basically a rock star. A very cold one. God, I’m always freezing. You’d think they’d let me sunbathe in peace every now and then for some R&R but no. Ain’t no rest for the world’s savior…if I may say so myself (*blushes*).

Me: This is your show, man. What’s it like to be a household name?

Vinny: It’s whatever. I’m just doing my job, fulfilling my purpose with what’s filled in me.

Me: You basically went from zero to hero.

Vinny: I guess. I mean, there are so many other vaccines out there who are also super important. I just happen to be the most popular right now, given the whole pandemic thing. But like you should talk to Flo the flu vaccine. She’s super cool–has multiple personalities, changes every year. Or Holly the HPV vaccine. She’s very important for young people, but much like them, feels misunderstood, and rightly so. They should promote her more. I’ve digressed…

Me: No, that’s great! You’re using your soapbox to lift up the everyday–or seasonal–heroes. Very noble of you.

Vinny: Eh, I’m really just your average vaccine–well, I do have some new technology through a partnership with mRNA, but that’s besides the point.

Me: You’re hardly average. You’re helping the world come back together.

Vinny: I suppose. I’m a big believer in social connection as a critical factor for wellbeing, so if I’m helping people reconnect, that’s a bonus.

Me: A bonus to saving lives you mean.

Vinny: Yes, that. No pressure, right? It’s hard being in the limelight, but I’m glad to do some good. Speaking of light, can we adjust the spotlight? I’ve gotta run to an appointment after this and I don’t wanna show up warm and be all useless.

Me: Right, yes. Do you want some ice packs?

Vinny: That’d be great. God, how do penguins do it?

Me: Well, they’re made for the freezing cold.

Vinny: I guess. I mean, would it kill me to have a blanket?

Me: Kinda, yeah.

Vinny. Cool cool. A cape then. After all, I am a hero, aren’t I?

Me: So now you’re getting a little pompous…

Vinny: Right, sorry. I’m just tired of being cold; it makes me on edge.

Me: No worries. Maybe picture a warm sandy beach or something? I hear visualization can change how you feel.

Vinny: I’ll try that. But I gotta run. I’m needed at the clinic. Thanks for chatting. It’s been nice to have some human interaction other than with a human arm. I get the cold shoulder all day, every day!

Me: Never mind that, Vinny. It’s best not to read into it. Run along now. Or roll? Sorry–

Vinny: Yup, rollin’ out. Peace, love, and public health!