As my current state of Oregon pushes for the likes of ‘vaccine passports’ and limited freedoms for non-(COVID-19)vaccinated people, I am feeling an increased sense of coercion and, frankly, tyrannical government. My decision (as is yours) is personal. Nevertheless, I want to share my ‘whys’—not to question or change your decision but to encourage sensitivity and understanding around the decisions people are making. I pray we all make the right informed decisions for ourselves.
Let me begin by saying that I support people’s decisions to be vaccinated. I do encourage anyone who is at-risk or frequently interacting with at-risk individuals to get the vaccine. I am not against vaccines (not an “anti-vaxxer,” if you will). I do, however, think we can, and should be, selective in which vaccines we consider necessary.
I rarely get sick. I have been ‘under-the-weather’ here and there in the last 10+ years, but I can’t recall the last time I was in-bed-sick. For a while, it was ever five years like clockwork that I would catch a 24-hour bug. That has not happened in quite a while. I live in the bottom of “Neiman’s ‘J’.” The more I study the risks and occurrences of COVID-19, the more I see a similar ‘J’ pattern associated with physical activity and BMI/body composition. Thus, for a vaccine that significantly reduces risks for which I am already low, vaccination seems unnecessary (for me—let me be clear that I am discussing my personal decision and not dictating what others should do).
I also consider the unknowns for the vaccine. Yes, it appears safe (I am not without an understanding of vaccine safety, nor am I ignorant of the risks of uncommon interactions with any medicines), but there are uncertainties. While it seems to be that the vaccines appear to reduce asymptomatic transmission, it is not clear whether this is any more effective than a healthy individual self-monitoring and taking precautions around vulnerable persons (something we should do with colds, flus, and other viruses). I am fine with masking in appropriate environments and practicing proper hand-hygiene. And I like my personal space, so, honestly, physical distancing is not an issue.
I think we need to remember before considering mandates and vaccination passports that these vaccines are not yet FDA approved. They are granted only “Emergency Use Authorization.” So, in truth, they are still experimental. I have served on enough Institutional Review Boards to have an understanding of “informed consent” in human research. I, personally, see significant government overreach in mandating participation in what amounts to a global research study. Of course, this is not to dismiss the need for broad informed participation. Any experiment, however, needs a control group. I consider myself a voluntary participant in the control group.
I believe the focus on vaccines draws away from discussions about the overall health of Americans (and our global neighbors). We know well the risk factors for severe infection and hospitalization from COVID-19. We know less about why some (very few) “apparently healthy” individuals have severe responses to the virus. We need to be focused on changing our modifiable risk factors—inactivity, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, etc.—not only to combat COVID-19, but to affect the impact that these have on countless other health conditions. We should, of course, prioritize the immediate concern and make vaccines available to people at high-risk, but we can’t ignore why they are at high-risk. We can’t ignore the underlying problem(s) and just treat the symptoms. In my field of exercise physiology, I feel obligated to be an example and to promote the role of diet and exercise on the immune system and the risk of infectious transmission.
I also have to regard that there are limited supplies of the vaccine (worldwide). If one considers their risk relative to others, one must consider that others might need the vaccine ahead of them. Is there not a moral obligation to do so? Certainly, it is a personal decision and no one should be judged for where they put themselves in the line, but it is something we should consider (and be free to consider).
I am perhaps at risk of infection by not being vaccinated. That is my choice. I may be at risk of transmitting the virus. That is my responsibility (a responsibility that I don’t take lightly—it is also no greater risk than for any other contagion). I have made my choice. I am not imposing my choice—in fact, I would discourage anyone who might be at risk or put others at risk from following in my decision. I am not dismissing another’s choice to act according to their conscience. I am opposed to governmental or institutional mandates that limit an individual’s choice.
I am not questioning, judging, imposing upon, or otherwise shaming anyone. I am concerned that this is creating just another ‘us’ v. ‘them’ division in this country, fracturing our communities even further.
I am concerned that we are ignoring very important health issues that are not limited to COVID-19 risk. I am concerned for the certain mark these mandates are to leave on our communities.
Choose what is best for you and those around you. Be other-centered, and, moreover, be as healthy as you can be.
Be your best today; be better tomorrow.
Carpe momento!