Just when we thought we could turn the page on this horrible pandemic, it has reemerged as the more highly contagious delta variant of COVID-19. Hospitalizations in Texas, and in Amarillo, due to COVID are on the rise again. And with that, an increased number of ICU beds and ventilators are used to treat victims of a disease which now can largely be prevented. Yes, we now have a safe and effective vaccine. As few as 0.2% of Texas’ current COVID-19 hospitalizations are patients who have been fully vaccinated.
Vaccines have eliminated smallpox and virtually eradicated polio and a host of childhood diseases. Yet many who have taken these vaccines are reluctant to take the COVID vaccine for a variety of reasons. Some are concerned that it is a “new” vaccine or that “it was rushed through the approval process.” The m-RNA vaccine technology is not new. It was developed in the 1990’s and been increasingly used in the past decade. Yes, the approval process for this vaccine was accelerated – in response to a deadly worldwide pandemic which has killed over 4 million worldwide. But the good news is that this vaccine has been administered over 4.7 billion times! Medicines and drugs are often “fully approved” on the basis of clinical trials with as few as 3000 people. Full approval in this country for the COVID-19 vaccine is imminent.
The vaccine contains no virus. You cannot possibly get COVID-19 from the vaccine.
Some are reluctant to get the vaccine because “some people have died from the vaccine.” Any medicine, treatment, or vaccine, carries some risk. We always weigh risk versus benefit. Death following the vaccine – due to the vaccine (and this can be difficult to demonstrate) – is less than 0.002 percent. That is less than two thousandths of a percent. Death due to COVID is now more than 600,000 in this country – four million worldwide. There is a greater risk from the disease than there is from the vaccine.
Some are concerned that “the vaccine will change my DNA.” The m-RNA vaccine does not enter the nucleus of a cell, where your DNA is stored. It enters the muscle cells with a message for your ribosomes to create a protein – the protein found on the surface of the COVID-19 virus. After your ribosomes make the protein, the m-RNA is broken down and gone. The protein your ribosomes make, however, stimulates your immune system to make antibodies which will attack the coronavirus. This is how the vaccine protects you and can keep you out of the hospital.
Some feel that “I probably already had COVID so I already have immunity.” Many who are currently in the hospital may have thought that as well. Cases are on the rise. At our clinic we went from zero cases in May, to 4 cases in June, and 9 cases in July, and 13 cases so far in August (as of Monday).
On Friday a third dose of the vaccine, a booster, was recommended for individuals with compromised immune systems. A recommendation for others is likely to follow. Now is the time to re-think the vaccine if you haven’t received it. In Texas, government will not require you to get it. It is your choice. Discuss it with your medical provider. Your choice can protect you and your family and drive the case numbers back down. Choose wisely and be well. (And don’t forget to cover your cough and wash your hands!)
I’ve had covid and my doctor told me I should take vaccine and I did. For my 23 year old son and daughter in law, doctor said there was no need. “If young, healthy people start dying from the virus, we’ll look at it again.” I say all this to say that you should talk to your physician as he or she knows your history and health. Even the “experts” aren’t sure about a booster. I have 3 grandchildren that I worry about. They’ve had covid already and had minor issues. I don’t believe they have any need of the vaccine to satisfy others’ “feelings.” Your doctor will give you the best advice. God bless. Chris Moore