Do Not Fear The COVID-19 Vaccine
The coronavirus has disrupted our healthcare system, causing millions of deaths and changing our way of living. Some have sought vaccines as a way to minimize and end the spread of the virus but others remain skeptical.
Hesitancy about getting the COVID-19 vaccine commonly stems from the speed of its development, fear of needles, and the underlying myths that have been spread on social media. While it’s understandable if one refuses to take the vaccine because of religious or cultural beliefs, those who have the option to take it should consider it.
People must be reminded of the long-term issues associated with testing positive for the coronavirus. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that organs affected by the virus have displayed long-term consequences such as chest pains, intermittent fevers, headaches, neurological issues and lung function abnormalities.
Some don’t want to take the vaccine because they are unsure of how it will react to their body. But do not fear: vaccines are simply a weakened version of a virus that teaches the body what it’s up against and how it should defend itself.
Taking any vaccine comes with risks, but they are limited. According to the CDC, common symptoms of getting the vaccine are fever, muscle aches and fatigue. That is a small price to pay for the protection against the coronavirus—especially given that people are exposed to bigger risks just by going outside.
Many people also don’t realize that millions of people, from healthcare workers to the elderly, have already taken the vaccine. The Moderna and Pfizer vaccines have been monitored and undergone multiple safety procedures, and thankfully the effects have been minimal.
And for those who worry about how fast these vaccines were developed, know that the financial support that went toward their development has allowed for a great increase in vaccine candidates and for the use of newer technology. This is why the vaccines were created so quickly.
In order to combat the coronavirus, a large portion of the population needs to be on the same page and get vaccinated. This is a way to build herd immunity, a form of mass protection that occurs when most of the population becomes immune to a specific disease.
The coronavirus has already taken too much from us. We must work together to counter this disease. The power that we hold as a group is much stronger than the coronavirus’ control over us.
If we all cooperate and take the vaccine, we will be able to protect our loved ones and those who are at risk because of their weak immune systems. This is how we can put an end to the pandemic.
