As a doctor, I have recently been asking my patients whether they have gotten a COVID-19 vaccine or made a plan to do so. Initially, some expressed reluctance or just wanted to “wait and see.” This is understandable, given the unprecedented speed with which the vaccines were developed. While I was happy to get my shot as soon as I could, I understood why some others felt uncomfortable getting it right away. Now that almost 150 million Americans have received at least one dose of a vaccine, some are feeling a little more confident about getting it, too.
But the negative responses from patients have shifted somewhat in recent weeks. A number of those who haven’t been vaccinated are saying that they have no intention of doing so — ever. One common reason is that they just don’t perceive much of a threat. As case counts continue to decline, some younger patients think their risk of severe disease or death is so low that it’s just not worth it. Conversely, some elderly patients tell me that they just don’t get out and about very much, so they don’t think it’s likely they will be exposed.
It’s frustrating to realize that the elusive herd immunity we all thought would hasten a return to our pre-COVID lives may never be achieved, by our own collective choice. On the other hand, I am relatively healthy and have been vaccinated, so my chances of survival if I contract COVID are excellent. Why should I care if some people don’t want to get vaccinated? Here’s three reasons why I do care:
1. People who are elderly or immunocompromised may not have as robust an immune response to vaccination as a young, healthy person in a clinic trial. Getting more of the population vaccinated adds a layer of protection for those most vulnerable. And while some elderly people may not go out much, almost no one lives in complete isolation; small family gatherings over the holidays likely fueled the winter surge. In other words, if you won’t get vaccinated to protect yourself, consider doing it to protect your grandmother.
2. While FDA authorization for children ages 12-15 is beginning, children under age 12 cannot get vaccinated yet. The risk of severe COVID symptoms in children is low, but it’s not zero. The virus has also been linked to a potentially serious condition in children called Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C). Until children can get vaccinated themselves, the best way to protect them is to vaccinate adults around them.
3. Viral replication is suppressed by mass immunization, which may slow down the emergence of additional viral variants over time. While no vaccine is perfect, so far, symptomatic disease has been very uncommon in those who are vaccinated. However, it is not clear how well the vaccines will perform against all of the SARS-CoV-2 variants, so suppressing viral replication and preventing new ones from emerging helps to protect us all.
It’s important to remember that getting vaccinated is not just about protecting yourself; it’s also about protecting those around you. In the long run, we will all benefit from herd immunity. The question that remains is whether we can actually get there.
But with Covid, experts are unclear as to the duration of immunity, whether from natural infection or vaccination. — Merkwurdichliebe
I don't think we'll ever have herd immunity for it the way we do with measles. — frank
This means that even if 70% global vaccination is acheived, future transmission and infection always remain possible. — Merkwurdichliebe
Regrettably, if we had the same level of vaccinations as we did with polio and other vaccines, we might have achieved herd immunity already.
— Xtrix
Unfortunately, Israel has already shown that this isn't true. — frank
78% over 12 vaccinated, no herd immunity. — frank
but, as I mentioned, if we had a polio-level rate when that vaccine was rolled out, we might have reached herd immunity, or — without question — had far less hospitalizations and deaths. — Xtrix
Also worth pointing out that 65% of current serious COVID cases are among the 17% unvaccinated in Israel. — Xtrix
And the other 35% are vaccinated. The vaccine wears off after a few months. — frank
but, as I mentioned, if we had a polio-level rate when that vaccine was rolled out, we might have reached herd immunity, or — without question — had far less hospitalizations and deaths.
— Xtrix
I think the polio vaccination rate was around 80%. — frank
And the other 35% are vaccinated. The vaccine wears off after a few months. — frank
That is being studied closely, but appears to be true— at least in Israel.
— Xtrix
It's true here. — frank
It's true here. I'm in a study now. I was vaccinated in December and my antibodies were gone in August. — frank
What’s been studied so far suggests less effectiveness after 6-8 months — Xtrix
If you have an auto-immune disorder you can go ahead and get your third shot. Otherwise you'll have to wait your turn. — frank
What is needed is a 99% effective vaccine that immunizes permanently. — Merkwurdichliebe
How many shots is it gonna take, 20 billion?. . .40 gazzilion? — Merkwurdichliebe
Looking closer into the map, the cases spiking right now are among the states with high rates of unvaccinated people— mostly states run by Republicans. — Xtrix
How many shots is it gonna take, 20 billion?. . .40 gazzilion? — Merkwurdichliebe
Sounds like you are partisan minded. Just a cop out — Merkwurdichliebe
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