s past year has been full of unwelcome COVID-19 surprises. Social distancing has changed the way we live, work, and communicate. Over a span of nine months, Americans have experienced the new norm of a COVID-19 pandemic, adapting as best they can. However, despite the hardship and challenges, good news finally came concerning this global pandemic. Frontline Health leaders came up with the Pfizer vaccine to help combat the COVID-19 virus. Though the vaccine has begun its process of distribution, it will take some time to know whether the vaccine is an exceptional one. Much like flu vaccinations, health leaders anticipate that people will procrastinate. As the year of 2021 has begun, it turns out health leaders were not too far off with their prediction. Vaccination rates are quite low, and it is raising questions. People have their reasons why, like distrust of the government, safety reasons, personal beliefs, and financial disparity. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK564098/).
Despite initial pushback, the vaccine is truly an achievement and should give Americans hopes of normalcy, without the looming threat of COVID. But there’s one problem. The American population would love to go back to their old lives without a COVID collective consciousness. A vast majority of Americans are still having a hard time approving, accepting, and trusting the Pfizer vaccine. However, the bottom line is, if anything is going to change for the better concerning this COVID pandemic, getting this vaccine is necessary. But many Americans have suspicions and distrust from the government’s lack of transparency, which could be considered an understandable reaction.
Here is why: our system does have a history of past medical exploitation, especially within certain minority groups. Specifically, The Tuskegee study, between 1932- 1972, where several hundreds of Black men in Alabama were lied to about being treated for syphilis, all while the disease ran its course. Around 2003-2007, there was the Edmonston-Zagreb vaccine trial, where many parents of immunized infants (mostly Black and Latinx) were uninformed that the vaccine was not approved and that it was an experimental vaccine. Americans are experiencing a trying time with accepting the COVID 19 vaccine. And from the looks of it, many Americans still hold a rational fear of history repeating itself. This is the first time since the Spanish flu, 102 years ago, that we have experienced a virus this deadly on such a global scale. Also, the advancements of international travel have made us more susceptible, creating more reason to get the Pfizer vaccine.
There is still uncertainty about the vaccines, yes. But think of all the lives saved every time someone practices social distancing, mask wearing, frequent hand washing, and disinfecting high traffic areas, like railings, doorknobs, and elevators. These are essential safety practices to keep infections down, but it cannot stop here. It is important to know there is no absolute certainty on this vaccine yet.
What is Certain?
Here is a list of safe credible sources:
These sources provide some reassurance on the effectiveness and short-term side effects of the COVID vaccine. This virus is real, and it kills. Take it seriously. If not for you, then for the sake of your loved ones, and others around you. Start off 2021 right, by responsibly taking an oath to your health. The longer you wait, the harder it will be to receive coverage, or have any glimpse of the old way of life we all once knew.
Work Source
Dror, A.A., Eisenbach, N., Taiber, S. et al. Vaccine hesitancy: the next challenge in the fight against COVID-19. Eur J Epidemiol 35, 775–779 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10654-020-00671-y
Petersen, Michael Bang, et al. “Transparency Is Necessary but Not Sufficient to Reduce Skepticism About a COVID-19 Vaccine.” (2020).
“Read ‘Framework for Equitable Allocation of COVID-19 Vaccine’ at NAP.edu.” National Academies Press: OpenBook, www.nap.edu/read/25917/chapter/9
Nina Indigo is a Storyteller and Digital Journalist @ FunTimes Magazine. She writes on topics for the health and wellness segment. She practices Vegetarianism, loves poetry, African/African American Literature, creative-writing, research, yoga poses and meditation.
In her articles, she provides her readers with organic content for people of all backgrounds and communities, she is truthful, writes to empower and inform. She helps readers make their best holistic decisions in their lives, communities and societies.
In 2021, she will obtain her BA in English Writing, with a minor in African and African American Literature Studies.
To follow up on her latest articles google Nina Indigo @ FunTimes. In her articles, her motive is to provide to her readers a how, and why holistic health is not just important, it’s a necessity to our whole well-being. Her articles do not simply empower and inform, but present relevant ideas and solutions to the essential wellness topics discussed.
