COVID-19 | VACCINE SUPPORT
Trump Says to Get the Vaccine
A picture of him getting it in January would have been nice.
As a counselor, I was eligible to receive the COVID-19 vaccine in one of the early waves, and I received my doses of the Moderna vaccine in January and February. My husband, Bruce, is also in healthcare and received the Pfizer vaccine around the same time.
Bruce repairs hospital laboratory equipment which puts him at high risk of exposure to the blood of COVID-19 patients. So, we were understandably relieved when we were vaccinated. We still wear masks and socially distance since we follow the medical recommendations of the CDC. The inconvenience is well worth not putting ourselves or others at risk.
We have been excited to hear updates as various friends, and family members received their vaccines. And we have been sad to hear from those who choose not to get their vaccines. I’m writing this article to help everyone make an informed decision and decide to get the vaccine.
Trump said that he would recommend the vaccine to his supporters.
Former President Trump announced support for the vaccine on March 16, 2021. As reported on Fox News, Trump said that he would recommend the vaccine to his supporters.
Trump added that the vaccine was safe and it works.
Earlier this month, Fox News reported that Donald and Melania Trump received their vaccines at the White House in January. Sadly they chose not to report this to the public.
Vaccine hesitancy is not uncommon and is a threat to herd immunity. The WHO reports that we are unlikely to reach herd immunity worldwide in 2021. According to the Cleveland Clinic, herd immunity occurs when a high percentage of the population is immune to a disease. The vaccine provides the best chance of reaching herd immunity.
Earlier this year, false claims were spread on social media about the government injecting microchips into the vaccine. According to Reuters, the rumor's basis was a news story discussing the potential placement of a microchip on the label of vaccine syringes.
The proposed microchip could be used to track the supply of vaccines and “would not gather personal information of the individual that receives the inoculation nor track their location.”
USA Today interviewed experts regarding individuals with illnesses such as auto-immune disease, cancer, and AIDS receiving the vaccine. The consensus is that the benefits outweigh the potential risks of getting COVID-19.
The CDC provides a list of “Key Things to Know About COVID-19 Vaccines.” This information helps anyone who has concerns ranging from the vaccine's risk and safety to an explanation of herd immunity.
I believe Trump’s unwillingness to support the wearing of masks and social distancing has contributed to vaccine hesitancy. According to a recent Yahoo News poll, approximately 50% of unvaccinated Trump supporters said they would never get the vaccine. Hopefully, Trump’s recent statement will help change minds.
I recognize that individuals have a choice of whether or not they receive the vaccine. Please make sure you don’t make the decision lightly. Your refusal has the potential to affect people you love and people that love you. I love my family and friends, and I care about their health. If you won’t do it for you, will you do it for me?
