Moving Forward with COVID-19 Vaccines by Heidi Kidon

Religious and philosophical exemptions from the COVID-19 vaccination and immunization requirements must stop. One’s personal, political, or moral beliefs are also not a part of the equation to overcome this public health emergency. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC), even recommends that most people with underlying medical conditions, including autoimmune conditions, should be inoculated.

Coronavirus has killed 3,216,418 people worldwide as of May 2021. Over half of Americans have received at least one vaccination shot, but about 13% of American adults don’t want a COVID-19 vaccine. Some Christian denominations have theological objections to vaccinations on the basis that it interferes with divine providence. Others believe disease can be cured or prevented by focused prayer. However, others within the faith accept immunization as a gift from God to be used with gratitude.

One segment of the population that remains steadfast in their opposition to getting a vaccine is Republicans. Forty-one percent, mostly rural, white males, don’t plan on getting the COVID-19 vaccine. They remain skeptical and distrust the federal government and top public health officials or have heard mixed messages on social media and television news. They also worry about long-term side effects.

Currently, there are three authorized and recommended COVID-19 vaccines available for free in the United States regardless of insurance or immigration status. Moderna and Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen are approved for those 18 years and older. Pfizer-BioNTech is approved for people 16 years and older. A vaccine maker recently asked the U.S. Food & Drug Administration to extend its vaccine ​authorization for children as young as age 12, and clinical trials are now starting in children as young as six months old.

Millions of people in the United States have already received COVID-19 vaccines under the most intense safety monitoring in U.S. history. But, if you are allergic to polyethylene glycols (PEGs), you should not take the mRNA Pfizer or Moderna vaccines. If you are allergic to polysorbate, you should not take Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. Allergies to ingredients such as eggs are currently not listed as concerns for receiving the vaccine.

If you have concerns, be proactive about finding a venue that’s properly prepared. Before scheduling a vaccine, contact the site and ask pointed questions about its emergency precautions, Does the site have an anaphylaxis kit? Can they take vital signs?” People who routinely carry EpiPens should remember to bring them when they are vaccinated. Allergic reactions are rare and usually occur within 15-minutes of receiving the shot. At that point, you should still be in a monitored waiting area at the site.

Protecting yourself also protects people around you, like those who can’t get vaccinated. Scientists say the country must top 80% of the adult population to reach herd immunity. If you don’t, then you don’t get the same liberties as those who have chosen to protect fellow citizens.

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