Vax passes spell progress in pandemic

It’s a divisive issue — requiring people to show proof of vaccination to gain entry to a business or large public event.

Vaccine passports are being introduced by Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island and several other provinces.

The fully-vaccinated — more than 70 per cent of N.S., N.L. and P.E.I. — welcome the move.

It’s another step towards thwarting COVID-19’S evolution and spread, a further climb towards a return to prepandemic lifestyle.

However, anti-vaxxers — some of the other 30 per cent — feel these passports threaten their personal rights and freedoms, or that the concept is pure bunk because the science behind the vaccines is unproven.

The latter point is starting to rub some pro-shot people the wrong way.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey — who’s also a doctor — countered the science claims this week while announcing his province’s passport. “Well, let me ask you one simple question: how many people do you know with smallpox? I can tell you right now, the answer is — not only for you but for every person around the world — no one. Because vaccines work.”

And, speaking of smallpox, the idea of proving vaccination is hardly a new concept. It dates to the 1800s and the smallpox vaccine, which was administered with a scratch to the arm.

According to a recent feature in Time, the resulting scar was treated as documentation of vaccination, “or a sort of early vaccine passport.”

The fact is most anti-vaxxers/anti-passport folks have some form of a vaccination record in their past and suffered no ill-effects.this begs the question: Why is this such a monumental deal for them?

We get it; no one is standing in front of their house or the provincial legislature demanding more government control over their lives. No one wants to be told “You must get a vaccine” or “You can’t travel to ABBA’S upcoming tour without a jab journal.”

Agreed. Individual freedom is vital.

It may seem like it to the anti-vax crew, but no, your premier or health officer is not trying to control your life with a vaccine passport. They are simply fulfilling a government’s core function to protect the population.

That, in return, enables us to live in places where people can actually enjoy their liberties and not be stuck in a lockdown.

Vaccination and passports are a way out of the pandemic. Resisters are slowing our progress and threatening population health.

“The vaccine isn’t foolproof, but it is highly effective in preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death,” Dr. Robert Strang, chief medical officer of health in Nova Scotia, said this week.

“I know there will be divided and strong views on this (proof of vaccination) policy. My appeal to all Nova Scotians is that we not let this issue divide us like it is elsewhere.”

We appeal to all our readers to do the same. And to get vaccinated, for the greater good. It’s worth a shot.