Get the shot….the COVID vaccine, that is!
There are many reasons to get the COVID-19 vaccination, top on my list, it could save your life or the life of someone you love. That’s enough right there but in case you need more motivation….read on.
It’s a Race
We are currently in a race that the SARS-CoV-2 virus may win if we don’t significantly reduce its circulation in the population. The more people that become infected with the coronavirus, the more chances it has to mutate. And mutate it will! Because that’s what viruses do, pretty well, in fact. Fortunately, most of these mutations will not lead to viral variants that are more transmissible or cause a more severe form of COVID. However, as we are already experiencing, it only takes a few successful mutations and the virus is off and running. And this brings up the very serious issue of those variants becoming resistant to the current vaccines. So you see, it really is a race. Will we vaccinate enough people before the coronavirus hits on a mutation that will require us to start all over again? think March 2020.
What fresh hell is this?!
If that doesn’t motivate you to Get the Shot, then how about this….the majority, three-quarters, of people who were hospitalized for COVID-19 are experiencing lasting symptoms. The symptoms include sleep issues, anxiety, depression, reduced lung and kidney function, trouble with mobility, brain fog, hair loss, skin rashes, and loss of smell. As if it isn’t enough to survive the wicked virus, you are then subjected to lingering and often debilitating symptoms that may never go away.
Safety
I can hear you…but what about the safety of the vaccine. Yes, everything comes with risk and the COVID vaccine is no exception. I hear the vaccine safety argument all the time but let me ask you this, when was the last time you agonized over getting in your car to drive somewhere or agonized over getting a ride from someone else? 124 deaths per million people happen due to car accidents in the US. 2.5 anaphylaxis reactions per million people occur with the COVID vaccine. That’s not to say that all anaphylaxis people die either. Real safety concerns are warranted but you can’t get a vaccine without answering a litany of questions to help identify those that may react to the vaccine. And if you’re one of those people then you shouldn’t get the vaccine. After all, if you could take something before getting in your car that would likely (90% or better) prevent you from being killed or disabled in an accident, wouldn’t you?
If you’ve read this far then I’m probably preaching to the choir. And to you I say, I’m proud of you! I’m proud that you have or will step up and get the shot. And I thank you!
Until next time, stay well!
