Vaccination Update and Ongoing Hesitancy
The latest data on vaccination progress shows that over 60% of the U.S. population has received at least one dose (KHN, 2021). Despite widespread vaccination rollouts across the country, vaccine myths persist among the unvaccinated.
Although health experts and scientists encourage us to move away from the idea of “Herd Immunity” in order to return to normal, we still need everyone to be vaccinated in order to return to a new version of normal.
Why abandon Herd Immunity? Herd immunity was the initial idea that if everyone is exposed to the virus and/or vaccinated, overtime we will all develop the necessary immunities to Covid-19 and the virus will no longer successfully find hosts. However this is no longer the concern because of the variants that have continued to mutate all over the world. Due to lack of vaccination access around the world, the virus continues to mutate and in ways that prevent herd immunity from being realized. With different variants comes a need for different antibodies, more infections and more death.
The next best solution: vaccination. Myths about vaccination combined with a “wait and see” mentality are responsible for much of the lagging vaccination rates. Many of these myths perpetuate the idea that the vaccine actually gives people Covid-19, the belief of implanting microchips and more, can only be combated by elevating stories of success. Additionally, leaning on trusted healthcare workers and physicians can be a great way to meet people where they’re at and provide them with a space to ask their questions. For the vaccinated, if you have people who are in the “wait and see” or abstaining categories, you have a role to play. Talk with them, encourage questions, and share your experience. With such a large percentage of the population fully vaccinated, we can use this as a mark of progress. Many people who remain unvaccinated would like to see new vaccines receive full FDA approval, stating this would encourage them to receive the vaccine(KHN, 2021).
Having been successfully vaccinated myself, I’m happy to share my experience with friends and family who are hesitant. Asking questions is part of the process and opening ourselves to honest dialogue might be the best way to win over the hearts and minds of people who aren’t so sure. The quicker we are all vaccinated, the quicker we can enjoy our summer and re-engage in social activities we’ve all been craving. Biden set a goal of 70% of the population having received at least one dose by July 4th. We are on track but this hesitancy could prevent us from reaching the goal. If we all play our parts, we could have the best summer in two years.
For an interactive map showing progress of vaccination by state click here. You can schedule your vaccine through your local pharmacy, or even walk-in for a vaccine. Not sure where to find a vaccine? Use this tool.
Resources: