America needs you to take vaccine

 This post was printed in the Dec. 18 edition of the Wilson Times

There! We got that taken care of. The United States and the world have a tested an effective vaccine against the COVID-19 corona virus that has disrupted our lives, destroyed our plans, ruined our vacations, increased our anxiety and caused mental health problems. And killed more than 300,000 Americans in less than a year.

            The first vaccine shots were given to health-care workers Dec. 14. Vaccine shipments are to be distributed to health care facilities across the country, giving relief from worries and renewed confidence for millions.

            But … there might be a problem. In a recent survey, 40 percent of American respondents said they would not take the vaccine. This is important because the goal of this vaccine is to create “herd immunity,” in which so great a portion of the population is vaccinated that the virus has no place to go, no new victims to infect.

            Herd immunity is achieved by having a critical mass of 87 percent of the population vaccinated. If 87 percent of the population is not vaccinated, there will be no herd immunity. Large numbers of the population will still get sick and some will die from COVID-19.

            One person’s refusal to participate in the vaccination program will affect the whole population. Attending school, going to work, going to movies and concerts, as well as church services and political/governmental events will remain risky without herd immunity. Essentially, 40 percent of the population can hold hostage 60 percent of their friends, kin and neighbors. Without herd immunity, the virus might not go away.

            Some people don’t want the vaccination because they’re squeamish about needles and shots; my late brother, for example. Diagnosed with pre-diabetes, he told his doctor, “just don’t make me take shots; I’d rather die first.”

            This is understandable, though extreme. The pain of a vaccination is usually not severe, and severe side effects are rare. Even vaccine-phobic people should be able to endure a shot. But in recent years, a people around the world have decided vaccines are dangerous. Measles vaccines were blamed for autism, although medical professionals said that was false. Still, enough parents refused to vaccinate their children that measles outbreaks returned. Some Muslim extremists in Pakistan declared polio vaccines unacceptable and violently prevented health care workers from vaccinating people.

            Wild rumors about the COVID vaccine have already begun, making it more likely that herd immunity might falter. Americans have become distrustful of federal agencies that oversee vaccine safety and myriad other matters. Public reluctance about the new vaccines is just the latest example of public distrust of government.

            Americans should be overjoyed with the distribution of the COVID vaccines. Don’t let this chance for herd immunity to a disease that has already killed 300,000 Americans be squandered.

            Think of the “common good,” the notion that some things benefit everyone and should be accepted and supported by all.

            Get your COVID-19 vaccination for your own health, for families and neighbors, for nationwide herd immunity. Just get it.