Herd immunity and how to get there

First — yes, get vaccinated — but as the recent January/February 2021 article in the the AARP Bulletin plainly states, “... the vaccine itself doesn’t prevent you from getting the virus; it simply prepares your body to mount a vigorous defense so that if you do become infected, the resulting illness is far less likely to be life-threatening.”

The COVID-19 vaccines are not a cure. They do not protect you from getting or spreading the virus. Even when you get the vaccination you still may be infectious, “... because up to 10 percent of vaccinated individuals will not be protected from getting COVID-19 and because reinfection, while uncommon, can still occur.” You can still spread the virus and infect people who are not vaccinated and possibly some who are — and even get reinfected yourself.

No. There is no going back to “normal.” Even after vaccination we all must still wear a mask, social distance and stay apart from others whenever possible. Until 80 percent of the population is vaccinated and “herd immunity” is achieved — that is the way we get a little beyond this. That is also the way to halt the evolution of the COVID-19 virus into more dangerous strains as a result of the virus spreading unchecked in the population as it is now.

“Herd immunity” cannot be achieved without “herd mentality.” Acceptance. Resolve. Action. Yes, achieving herd mentality in this country and across our planet is a test. A challenge that is not only testing how we respond to this COVID-19 virus pandemic, but to climate change, economic inequity, social justice, inequality . ... It is testing our very interrelationship with one another, nature and our planet. Make no mistake, this herd mentality decision is not about going back to normal but how we choose to go forward to build a better world for everyone and everything on this planet.

In your mind what will you decide — and then do?

Bernard Re Jr. Canaan