Publish December 17, 2020 in The Toccoa Record

As the covid-19 vaccine roles out across the country, it has come to my attention that my professional opinion may be valuable as patients, friends, and coworkers have asked if I plan to take the vaccine or not. In modern times, I have found people usually turn to social media and google for their medical research. Social media has undoubtedly given a platform to voice opinions and a person can use google to validate any point they wish to solidify. Given I don’t spend much time on social media and I don’t publish articles on Wikipedia, I will take my pen and efforts to the local newspaper in efforts to catch the reader in a moment of inquiry. In February when we were all hearing about Covid-19 for the first time, my formal opinion was that we either all get it or there would be a vaccine. In a world where we are all interconnected, wired for human interaction, and hell bent on not being muzzled in public, a highly communicable virus is sure to touch everyone at a rate dependent on our ability to social distance.

Through independent research over the last couple of weeks, I have attempted to answer the following questions regarding the vaccine:

First: Is it safe? Before I start any treatment for a patient, I carefully consider the risks involved with the treatment and weigh those risks with the potential benefits.  From the clinical trials of the vaccine that just received approval by the FDA, it seems any side effects are self-limited and reversible.  Signs of fevers, chills, and muscle aches are physical proof a person’s immune system is working to create a response to the vaccine. Other touted side effects of injection site reaction and bells palsy are rare and self-limiting. 

Secondly: Does it work? Clinical trials presented to the FDA show a greater than 90% efficacy rate in those who received two vaccines. I do consider this remarkable given that seasonal flu vaccinations only work about 40% of the time.

Thirdly:  What about the conspiracy? There are a considerable and growing number of people with mistrust of the government and multiple conspiracy theories floating around social media outlets. Many of these theories are sprinkled with portions of the truth that make a reasonable person question modern science. I encourage my family, patients, and coworkers to trust in our scientific method and forget entertaining conspiracy theories.

The COVID vaccine is a remarkable feat of science, capitalism, politics, and a great example of American ingenuity. As the vaccine rolls out, my opinion hasn’t wavered. Either we get Covid-19 or the vaccine. My dear American, the choice is yours and you and your grandma’s life depends on it. If we want life to return to a pre-covid “normal” the vaccine is the only path forward.