In many communities there is an ongoing discussion about how to handle situations where people refuse to be vaccinated. Some people shrug and say “It’s a free country.” While others get pretty angry about it. One of my healthcare buddies that strongly believes everyone should be vaccinated, noted, “You have the right to jump off the George Washington Bridge, but you don’t have the right to take me with you.”
Keep in mind that there are some people that can’t take the current vaccines due to serious allergies, illness etc. As one person noted on their Facebook page, “Until there is a vaccine I can take, please help protect me by being vaccinated.
Lots of strong feelings on this topic so it’s good to review the basics.
Herd Immunity/Return to Normalcy: Herd immunity means that enough people in a community are immune as they’ve had the disease or they’ve been vaccinated.
In February, independent data scientist Youyang Gu changed the name of his popular COVID-19 forecasting model from ‘Path to Herd Immunity’ to ‘Path to Normality’. He said that reaching a herd-immunity threshold was looking unlikely because of factors such as vaccine hesitancy, the emergence of new variants and the delayed arrival of vaccinations for children. At the same time, Dr. Fauci is saying around 70%-85% of the population, including children would have to be vaccinated before herd immunity could be reached.
More and more it appears that Covid will be like the flu. There will be few cases in the summer followed by a rise in the winter. Mask wearing will be needed as the weather gets colder. Some researchers anticipate yearly Covid vaccination along with the flu shot.
Vaccine Break Through: While it does happen, as no vaccine is 100% effective, it’s very rare. Among the cases where it has occurred, 40% have been among those 60+, and 65% are among women. Most do not experience symptoms but there have been hospitalizations and even a few deaths.
Having the Covid Vaccination Discussion: Keep in mind that this is about your personal safety health and well-being. Don’t assume that everyone you have contact with is or plans to be vaccinated. You are not being impolite or rude having the vaccination conversation-it helps to protect you and them.
• Before getting together, hiring a contractor, taking an exercise class, holding a gathering, making a hair dressing appointment, hiring a babysitter etc. have a candid conversation. You can start by giving your vaccination status and then asking about theirs. Let them know upfront your house policy if you are holding a gathering.
• If they refuse to comment, saying that’s “too personal” or “none of your business.” Let them know your health is important and you want to reduce all possible risks of exposure, while maximizing the ability to gather without masks etc. Keep to the “I” and avoid the “you,” as the latter puts them on the defensive. Sharing your reasons can be helpful, such as “I have young children in school and I don’t want to jeopardize their in school opportunities.” “I have a health condition that puts me at higher risk so I can’t take chances.”
• If they don’t believe in vaccination. Don’t make yourself crazy trying to convince them otherwise. Be polite. If you want to see them, suggest meeting outside and following the protocols. Let the contractor, fitness instructor etc. know that as things change you will consider them in the future just not at this time. No need to stress them or yourself over this. Just make sure you ask the question and if the response is “no” you do what’s in the best interest of yourself and your health.
If you do want to
talk about “vaccination hesitancy”-the PC term for those unwilling to be
vaccinated-check out the CDC site How to Talk about Covid-19 vaccination with friends and family.
• If you are invited. Ask about vaccinations. If it’s going to be a large indoor gathering and the host isn’t having the vaccine talk, it’s okay to say, thanks but I need to pass.
Though these conversations can be uncomfortable, there isn't anything to feel guilty about.
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