This was such a good diary, taking care and looking out for all of us. And my response here is in NO way an argument to this diary. BUT, It is something I feel is important enough to respond to in a diary of its own.
Let me start with what we know to be true. We don’t know enough. And that’s it in a nutshell. The anecdotes come at us from every direction, every day. The known information changes from day to day, and contradicts itself every other day.
Yes, we are at the mercy of emerging science. However, it’s not true that these vaccines came out of nowhere just months ago. Fact is, scientists have been working on this kind of virus for a long while now from SARS on---that being the bell tolling the warning. They did not start from scratch.
And then, y’know, nothing like a lollapalooza payoff to get everyone available focused onto a possible solution. And yes, that is part of this too. Any doctor will tell you where there is money, you are closer to a cure. Ask a doc who specializes in a disease that does not effect enough people about this.
So. Here we are with a vax that we rightfully have so many questions about. And it is good that we keep our eyes peeled and learn more about it every day, as it is presented to us. That we keep alert, active and vigilant.
However, I worry that many will not balance the anecdotal information coming out. And I’m not just talking about those who are reacting because this vax has been so politicized.
So, the other day, a pal of mine, a kind of middle of the road political gal, said this to me: “Well, if I can still get it and give it with the vax, why should I get one?” OK, I know many here will jump thru the hoop to answer that question of hers, as I did. So I won’t bore y’all with what most of us know is the answer here.
But I throw this out in an attempt to make others understand that while it is SO IMPORTANT to follow the science, it is also important to do so with the optimistic side as well as the fearful side. NO vaccination is perfect. And most of us here have been vaccinated for one thing or another since we were born. To bring it right up to today, if you’re my age and haven’t had a Shingles Vax, people will wag their finger at you. Where as my parents never had either Shingles or the Vax, or any reason to consider it. In fact, I can’t remember ever hearing about Shingles when I was growing up, or for most of my younger adult life.
Thing is, I am concerned that the lack of answers about this vaccination beyond a point, the lack of guarantees---the tendency to look for the holes instead of the wholes, will hamper us in getting past this pandemic.
I have been vaccinated---Moderna. Done with both shots. For me, it was a risk assessment issue. There is no perfect choice here. What was I most afraid of? The Co-vid? Or the vaccination?
Well, flat out, I was more afraid of the Co-vid. Because as much as we might not have all the info/data we want to have about the vaccinations, we DO HAVE AN ATROCITY OF INFO ABOUT WHAT THE CO-VID CAN DO. This thing strikes everyone differently. You never know who it will do the worst to, or what the after effects will be.
So I guess what I would say is yes, absolutely lets keep up with the science, but also, lets not get caught up with what rarely happens---as in here’s two cases of people who were vaccinated and still got it bad or died.
Fact is, millions have now been vaccinated, and hopefully, millions more will be. It will not protect everyone, and it will not be perfect. And yeah, maybe we’ll all have to have boosters when they learn more. And yeah, maybe we’ll all have to have a “co-vid” shot every year just like a flu shot. Maybe we’ll even have to do it every 6 months. We do not know that yet.
But really, can you imagine, say in the case of the plague in Europe in the Middle Ages---one third of the population killed off? There was no options in those days. The disease just ripped thru and took everyone it could with it. Those people never had a choice in “risk assessment.”
Fast forward. We seem to have vaccinations that work for most. For now. And here I get to the gist of my post. Sure, you want to let people know about the science, what’s working and how often. BUT you also want to let them know that, imo, in the great risk assessment arena, on the craps table, when you need to make the best bet you can, it IS getting vaccinated. And if we don't make that message clear, if we hesitate due to the imperfections, if we allow ourselves to demand years of research before we will accept this vaccination as the thing to do, as the thing that might return us to some sort of normalcy then the virus wins, and it will be with us for a very long time.
I believe we absolutely WILL need to wear masks for some time to come, and socially distance. But I also believe that people need the hope that if they are vaccinated, they can get together with others who are vaccinated. If we don’t believe our chances are good in doing so, then when will they ever be good?
People need to believe there is hope for some facsimile of normality. If we can’t say hey, it’s not guaranteed--- little about life is---but yes, your life chances and choices will change for the better when you are vaccinated, then what do we have to offer those who are reluctant?
IOW, yes, so important to follow the science. But right about now, also important to not be afraid to say, hey, I think my/your chances are much better with a vaccine. As in hey, I think you can actually see a vaccinated friend, if you’re vaccinated too. I think we are a bit fear addicted right now, and it is hard for many of us to let go of that, even when vaccinated, and find the rewards of being vaccinated.
Again, no guarantees, but if we can’t offer hope and reward for the “risk” of getting that vaccination, what the hell do we have to offer?