Millions of people in the United States have received COVID-19 vaccines under the most intense safety monitoring.
My goal with this essay is to encourage everyone to get their COVID-19 vaccination.
I own an in-home care business where precautions are taken daily to protect the elderly and disabled in our care. Most of these people have compromised immune systems. I feel that it is mandatory for those working with these people to have their vaccination.
The vaccination saves lives. It prevents hospitalization, severe infection, and possible death. It shows you care about others and what is best for everyone.
(Let’s begin by discussing why many Americans do not want to get the vaccine.)
US officials fear COVID-19 may evade vaccines | Coronavirus | 9 News Australia – YouTube
- Truth: Convincing skeptics to get the vaccine is easier said than done, especially in rural areas that are heavily Republican. Why are people leery of getting the vaccination? Putting it simply many do not trust our government and media anymore. Let’s separate Myth from Facts:
A. Myth 1: The vaccination changes your DNA
- Your DNA is in the nucleus of your cells and the vaccine material does not enter the nucleus. (Conversation, 2021)
- The messenger RNA vaccine (Pfizer) and the viral vector vaccine (Johnson and Johnson) cause your body to develop protection, so that when you are infected by SARS-CoV-2, your body is prepared to fight the virus. (Conversation, 2021 )
B. Myth 2: The vaccination has a microchip in it to control individuals
- This conspiracy theory has been propagated by anti-vaxxers who believe that the American business magnate, investor, and philanthropist Bill Gates will implant microchips to track people’s movement, using the vaccine as the method of delivery. (Conversation, 2021)
- This myth gained traction when a video was shared on Facebook making false claims about the optional microchip on the syringe’s label of the Covid-19 vaccine. (Conversation, 2021)
- This microchip’s purpose is to confirm that the injectable and the vaccine are not counterfeit and haven’t expired. It will also confirm if the injection has been used. the microchip is part of the syringe label and not the injectable substance itself. (Conversation, 2021)
C. Myth 3: The vaccination side effects are dangerous
1. Most of the side effects of the Covid-19 vaccine are mild. They include low-grade fever, sore arm, and fatigue, and these usually subside after one to three days. (Conversation, 2021)
2. Rare side effects such as blood clots have been reported from the Johnson and Johnson vaccine. The chances of experiencing this side effect are low. (Conversation, 2021)
3. The risks of blood clots because of Covid-19 infection are 8-10 times higher than risks associated with the vaccine. Doctors are aware of this concern and are trained to identify and treat the condition quickly. (Conversation, 2021)
American citizens are afraid of the vaccination based on a lack of trust in our government and the media and many false myths that have been put out on the internet or over social media.
Let’s now discuss the Center for Disease Control and Prevention and its purpose for the United States of America.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has created vaccinations that have completely eradicated diseases such as chickenpox, polio, etc. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention has a vast history of accomplishments.
- The Center for Disease Control and Prevention
The purpose of the CDC is to increase the health security of our nation. As the nation’s health protection agency, the CDC saves lives and protects people from health threats. To accomplish their mission, the CDC conducts critical science and provides health information that protects our nation against expensive and dangerous health threats and responds when these arise.
A. Fact 1: Over 351 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine have been given in the United States from December 14, 2020, through August 9, 2021. (Diseases, 2021)
1. CDC is using established and new monitoring systems. VAERS is one of the new systems we use to report any unusual side effects from the vaccine. It goes directly into a national database to do a deeper investigation into the side effect reported.
2. Serious side effects that could cause long-term health problems are implausible following any vaccination, including COVID-19. Vaccine monitoring has historically shown that side effects generally happen within six weeks of receiving a vaccine dose.
B. Fact 2: We have almost eradicated other diseases such as Polio, Chickenpox, Measles, Tuberculosis, etc., based on vaccinations.
1. Vaccines can prevent infectious diseases that killed or harmed many infants, children, and adults. Without vaccines, your child is at risk for getting seriously ill and suffering pain, disability, and even death from diseases like measles and whooping cough. (Diseases, 2021)
2. On-time vaccination throughout childhood is essential because it helps provide immunity before children are exposed to potentially life-threatening diseases. (Diseases, 2021)
Why would we now not trust something that the majority of American’s have used for guidance before the pandemic started? The CDC has a vast history of accomplishments that have protected the American people from health threats. This applies to Covid – 19 as well.
How should we go about getting vaccinated?
Getting vaccinated helps everyone.
Encourage people to get vaccinated. Here is a video on how to make that happen.
1. COVID-19 Vaccine Conversations – YouTube
- When people speak about myths that they have heard surrounding the vaccination try to dispel fear thinking by going through the following steps
1. Remind them to stick to trustworthy sources such as the CDC, the World Health Organization, and your local public health authorities.
2. Step away from media if you start feeling overwhelmed.
At times like this, it’s easy to get caught up in your own fears and concerns. But amid all the stories of people fighting over wearing face masks or lining up outside gun stores to arm themselves, it’s important to take a breath and remember that we’re all in this together. As a quote circulating in Italy reminds us: “We’re standing far apart now so we can embrace each other later.” (Melinda Smith, 2021)
It takes all of us to encourage each other to do what is right. Fear-mongering causes anxiety and stress for those around us. When we post on social media, do we think about the impact we might be having on others? Do we know if we are posting facts or myths? Are we responsible for what we share? It’s important to remember what vaccinations offer us—the possibility of eradication of a disease.
In Conclusion
- I would like to encourage all of you to get vaccinated for Covid – 19. The vaccines are safe and effective. Read more at CDC.gov or WHO.int
Public Health gives out vaccinations in every county in Oregon. Please get in touch with them and set up your appointment today.
Do not allow myths to steer you away from facts. Covid- 19 vaccinations were created under the most intense safety monitoring in US history. The CDC has a vast history of accomplishments that have protected the American people from health threats.
We have a collective responsibility to work together in the true spirit of partnership for humanity to ensure each of us endures the worst pandemic in a century.
Sources:
Conversation, T. (2021, August 2). Covid 19 – Six Most Common Myths Debunked. Retrieved from The Citizen: https://www.citizen.co.za/news/covid-19/2584474/covid-19-vaccine-myths-debunked/
Diseases, N. C. (2021, August). Covid 19. Retrieved from Centers of Disease Control and Prevention: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-nCoV/index.html
Melinda Smith, M. a. (2021, July). Coronavirus Anxiety: Coping with Stress, Fear, and Worry. Retrieved from Help Guide: https://www.helpguide.org/articles/anxiety/coronavirus-anxiety.htm
Written By: Marissa L Newman