Turning Down a Free Shot

 I may have talked about this in another post, but recently I was on a Zoom meeting with some folks and half the people in the group stated that they were not planning to have the COVID shot when their turn came. One is a teacher, one has cancer, one has family members who engage in risky behavior, just to name a few examples of why I think they should have the shot.  But, it isn't my decision.

I did not express to these people how upset I felt about their decisions on the vaccine.  I kept my mouth shut. I am proud of myself for that.  It wasn't my place to tell them how I felt. I don't think they lack information, or I would offer it to them. To me it seemed that they were taking the decision to get or not get the vaccine as a political decision.  When it comes to politics I know that I don't have the power to convince anyone.  People believe what they believe.

I look  forward to completing both vaccinations.  I don't view it as making me completely free of risk.  But, the daily fear of forgetting something and catching this disease might subside.  I might mask up and go to a store or two. I could visit my 99 year old mother again even if I had to mask up and stay distanced. Every cough, sneeze, headache won't bring as much fear that I have a deadly illness that I could pass along to others. I view the vaccine as helping to bring this pandemic to an end.

If half the people refuse the shot, I wonder where we will be in 6 months? I wonder if some people will change their mind?  Personally, I have grave doubts about meeting with these people in person anytime that the virus is still in circulation.  The vaccine is only 95% effective which means I could still get sick if exposed to the virus. I would vote for a vaccine passport and limiting where people who choose not to have the vaccine could go to expose others.  But, nobody put me in charge.

All I am in charge of is my own decision, my own health.  I am on multiple lists, hospitals, state, counties, pharmacies.  My state is remarkably slow in rolling out the vaccine.  At one point we were dead last of all the states in the nation, which is not a point of pride. I look forward to the day my name is called.  I will not be turning down a free shot.