A vaccine is coming, but let’s get it right
What is all this angst about Canada being behind schedule on getting the COVID-19 vaccine?
The politicians are playing mind games with us, as I see it. They want to make out that our political leaders have been negligent because we will not be the first or second in line to get the vaccine. Thus they say we are unduly risking the health of Canadians because Americans, Brits and even some others will get the first vaccines in December and early winter.
Well, let them and sit back and watch.
I for one do not want to be first in line.
How come?
First off, these drugs are being rushed to market in the shortest time ever for vaccine development. Yes, it is the multibillion-dollar race by pharmaceutical companies. Previously, such viruses have either not had a vaccine discovered that is effective or it has taken multiple years to test their validity.
I simply do not want to get in the middle of such a cutthroat competition and find out later that “Oh yes, we cut a few corners so as to get this to market.”
Second, the test protocols for vaccines takes time to discover what the real side effects are especially for vulnerable people. Have you seen the numbers? While they say that they have been tracking thousands the actual number getting the disease is less than 100 and I just cannot see that such low numbers would cover all the various types of people they need to see the effects upon.
Hey, how does it work on a grumpy old man who live in the cold north with a long list of preconditions including diabetes? I want to know if the vaccine reacts positively to regular chocolate intake.
Next, the drugs are based on a whole new system which does not inject a small portion of the virus into us like previously successful vaccines, but actually tries to have our bodies’ DNA system triggered to create antibodies that reject the virus.
Now, since this is a brand new approach I ask what else will this trigger? Hey I do want the virus, but I also do not want to grow a third ear or a body full of white cell warriors running around attacking other organs!
It is not because I do not believe in science. Heck, I have been shot a whole lot, having taken: Measles shot, mumps shots, tetanus shots, whooping cough shot, flu shot (annually), pneumonia shot, shingles shot etc. I think they work and I eventually do want the coronavirus shot. But I want to be in the back of the line.
First off, once we are sure about the drug I want the frontline people who are risking their safety and lives to get protection first. I want the young and vulnerable to be second because they have a whole life to be lived. Then I want the poor and disadvantaged to be protected because they are not as fortunate as I am. Then, if there is enough to go around give it to me.
As for my advice to you: Please do get the vaccine. Be patient with our government authorities so they can get it right for everyone’s health and safety. If we are going to give this drug to our most precious workers and most vulnerable citizens let us get it right.
As for me, I plan to read a lot of great books this winter through the local cloud library.
Stay safe and well.