For the majority worldwide, the coronavirus vaccines are a welcome light at the end of a very long and dark COVID-19 tunnel. Specifically, they offer a glimpse of hope about a return to normalcy.
Unfortunately, not everybody feels the same way about the coronavirus vaccines. This is mainly because there is a lot of misinformation, myths, and conspiracy theories surrounding the vaccines and their application. If you’re reading this, you’re probably also looking for some reassurance about the need for the vaccine. This article should give the clarity you need.
Are there risks involved?
Of course, there are! Like any vaccine, COVID-19 vaccines come with side effects like mild fever, pain, and redness around the injected area. Experts assure that serious side effects are possible but extremely rare.
Before allowing these “risks” to deter you from taking the available vaccines, you should consider your alternative option. If you fail or refuse to take the vaccine, you put yourself not only at a higher risk of getting the virus but also not recovering from it.
Vaccine mandates are lawful, effective, and based on science
With the US reaching a worrying plateau in its coronavirus vaccination coverage, people begin to experience “pandemic fatigue,” as compliance levels drop. Today, the virus infection rate is rising by about 140%, as only half of the population is currently fully vaccinated.
According to behavioral science, vaccine mandates are not only lawful but ethical, considering the current state.
The Department of Justice has already ruled that business owners should require their employees to receive the vaccine as a workplace condition. Even though everyone has the right to bodily integrity, this does not hold water when your refusal to accept the vaccine makes you a risk to your family, friends, and colleagues.
The benefits of mandatory vaccines are tied to the benefits of the vaccine itself – it protects people from the virus and from spreading it, which leads to the next point.
Giant companies like Google and Facebook are already leading, mandating their workers to get the vaccine before going back to work. Now, anyone walking into any of their offices can rest assured that they’re protected. That’s what mandatory vaccination is seeking to achieve – protection.
Herd immunity
Mandatory vaccination is a legal pathway to herd immunity. The logic here is pretty simple; when most of the population (herd) becomes immune to the virus through mandatory vaccination, this provides indirect population immunity, making the spread of the virus from person to person unlikely.
Benefits of vaccines to the community
Vaccination does not only protect the vaccinated person but those around them as well. Specifically, this reduces the risk of spreading the virus among family members, schoolmates, neighbors, friends, and other community members. When enough people in the community become immune, there is a better chance of eliminating the disease.
The way back to normalcy
As mentioned earlier, pandemic fatigue is causing people to become less responsible by the day, taking safety protocols for granted. You don’t have to look far to see several cases of irresponsible behavior, all of which have caused an increased infection rate. The best and fastest way back to normalcy is to achieve herd or community immunity as fast as possible. And that means getting the vaccine to the majority of the population.
If you are wanting to learn more about the vaccine or would like to get one, PCP for life can help. Our expert and well-trained physicians can help you with all your vaccine concerns. To learn about what we can do to help or schedule an appointment, call us today at 281-968-4096.
