In second-hand smoke, a timely analogy

We live in the greatest time to be alive in all of human history. Advances in science, medicine in particular, have eliminated death and suffering from disease by an incomprehensible measure. The statistical data on vaccines alone is staggering, with the occurrence of diseases that once numbered in the millions reduced to single digits. This has been possible because the advancement of scientific knowledge is not linear over time but exponential. We are immeasurably fortunate to have brilliant doctors and scientists using that knowledge to create life-saving vaccines in a matter of months rather than years.

Yet excuses abound for choosing not to be vaccinated. Fear, defiance, distrust, ignorance — these are not reasons; they are excuses. The reason is ultimately selfishness — putting oneself ahead of the health and safety of others. We live in a country that is founded on personal freedom, but the very fabric of that

freedom is easily destroyed without the contribution of individual responsibility.

While I do not want to live in a society that mandates vaccinations, one can use the “pretty please” approach for just so long. I think about our common-sense approach to second-hand smoke: If you want to kill yourself, that’s your business, but keep your viral load out of our airplanes, restaurants, bars, theaters, stores, sporting events, concerts, workplaces and homes. We did it with smokers; we can do it with those who choose to be unvaccinated.

Mike Moak Guilderland Center