The pandemic caught us all blindsided. While we were busy living our lives, COVID-19 came into the picture and wreaked havoc on our individual and shared existence. All of a sudden, we were forced to stay indoors for prolonged periods. And in cases where we were allowed to go out, we could only do so by wearing a protective mask and by following strict safety protocols. Yes, the past year was a wake-up call for all of us.
You probably became more conscious of your health, checking the food you eat and the things you touch. You likely developed an acute awareness of your mortality and the mortality of the people you love. And the whole thing could get rather stressful.
Fortunately, vaccines are now being rolled out. If you haven’t yet, here are the reasons why you need to get inoculated against COVID-19.
These vaccines are safe
Anti-vaxxers are not even our biggest problem when it comes to influencing people to get inoculated against COVID-19. You probably have a friend or family member who’s been vaccinated many times before, and who otherwise believes the science behind the procedure, but for some reason has become a bit dubious about COVID vaccines. Or you’re probably that friend. Well, you’re not alone and there’s no shame about your stance.
However, it’s one that should be amended ASAP. Contrary to popular belief, these vaccines were not rushed. They were expedited by cutting red tape. They went through the usual stringent process of vaccine production. Many tests were conducted in controlled environments. Topnotch equipment was used, from industrial cartridge heaters and coolers to foolproof vials. And some of the brightest minds in science took part in the creation of these vaccines. The bottom line is, they’re safe.
Side effects, if any, are normal
Chances are you’ll be inoculated with a vaccine that contains a weakened form of the virus. This will trigger your immune system to come up with antibodies to fight the foreign invader. Sometimes, this also results in side effects, from body ache to fever.
These side effects are not to be feared. They are often part and parcel of getting inoculated. Some even argue that they are a good sign because they mean your body’s fighting hard to recalibrate itself against something strange and potentially dangerous.
Those cases of fatalities you hear or read from the news are a very small fraction of the entire vaccinated population. And most likely those people have critical co-morbidities that contributed to their death.
You cannot trust the virus
Some people who refuse to get vaccinated cite a rather controversial and risky reason for their decision. They do not trust these vaccines. They trust the COVID-19 virus more and would rather be infected for immunity. Experts do not recommend immunity via infection.
One obvious reason for that is there’s no way to predict the mutation of COVID-19. Right now, many new variants have cropped up across the world. And they’re allegedly more easily spread.
Plus, you cannot predict how your body will respond to COVID-19. Even if you’re the fittest person in town, you cannot be complacent. Getting vaccinated trumps immunity via infection.
It’s free
For a flu vaccine, you will pay at least $20. You’ll have to shell out more for other types of vaccines. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 vaccine is free. You do not have to spend even a single centavo to have yourself inoculated. So, what are you waiting for?
Help your herd achieve immunity
Experts are still debating as to how many percent of the population should be inoculated to declare herd immunity. Some say at least 70. A general consensus is still up in the air.
What’s for sure is you have a part to play in our quest to achieve herd immunity. If you and the rest of your family decide to get vaccinated, you’re putting us closer to that ideal percentage. Once herd immunity is achieved, you’ll get to live life to the fullest once again.
It is normal to fear vaccination. It is normal for new things to inspire doubt and hesitation among people. But you cannot let your doubt and hesitation, even fear, stop you from getting vaccinated. It is your smartest weapon against this deadly pandemic. And once you’re inoculated, those people around you will be safer too.
Think of it as taking one for the team. After all, you really have nothing to worry about. These vaccines were produced by scientific experts who want only the best for you and the rest of the world.
