Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer
The slings and arrows of outrageous COVID,
Or to take arms against a sea of troubles,
And by opposing end them with a vaccination?

I got the Moderna vaccine back in February and March at age 67. I’ve had no ill effect beyond the typical mild sore arm. Even that passed in just a day. Since then I’ve largely lived life as before, free of worry and without masking.

If you believe the COVID vaccine will magnetize you, alter your DNA, or enable the government to track you using 5G towers, there’s probably not much I can say that will ease your concerns. I only ask that you consider your sources, check out others with differing information, and make your best decision.

If you haven’t gotten vaccinated and aren’t opposed on principle, but instead are worried or needing further assurances, these are my thoughts on the matter.

162 Million Guinea Pigs

Almost 162 million people in the U.S. have been fully vaccinated, some as long ago as December. That’s a lot of guinea pigs! This includes most of the governmental and health officials urging vaccinations. They’re all just as vulnerable to any potential dangers as we are. As of July 12th when the CDC reported 159 million were fully vaccinated, less than 5,500 of these people had been hospitalized or died due to COVID — under 0.004%.

The vaccines are about 90% effective, so there’s still a 10% chance of getting ill. These odds sound better to me than having 0% protection without the vaccine. Most vaccinated people in that 10% who still get ill, the “breakthrough cases” as they’re called, have only mild symptoms or none at all.

Conversely, with the new Delta Variant circulating now, over 99% of current COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths involve people who are not vaccinated. Something to think about.

Other Risks We All Take

If these numbers aren’t persuasive, consider the other risks that many of us routinely take in our lives. How many of us have done one or more of these things?

• • Drink.
  • Smoke.
  • Eat foods we shouldn’t.
  • Exercise less than we should.
  • Take one or more of those prescription drugs advertised on TV where for 30 seconds the announcer lists all the potential risks and side effects, including even death in some cases.
  • Drive after a few drinks or when sleepy.
  • Ride a motorcycle without a helmet.
  • Engage in unprotected sex.

Basically life is kind of dangerous. Prudent precaution is always wise, including deciding whether or not to get the COVID vaccine. For those still holding back on the vaccine, though, I think we’ve had ample chance to see if there are any significant dangers — and the few we’ve seen are vastly outnumbered by the benefits.

I’d urge you to go ahead and get the vaccine — but check with your doctor anyway!

Survey [Closed]

Now I’m kind of curious about your vaccination status and reasons. If you want, you’re invited to take the following anonymous survey. This survey previously ended on August 5th but I’ve extended it to now close on Thursday, August 31st at 6:00 PM.

If you answer Yes to the 1st question, please choose the final “non-applicable” answer on the other two.

Final Results

Title image is by CDC on Unsplash.

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