Which Risks Are Better for Health?
By Tom Herrin
In life, just about everyone takes chances at one time or another. Some have a little bigger consequences than others. In the past several months, it seems as if many were taking chances everywhere they went. Back in the spring, may have seemed to many that going anywhere away from their homes was a risk. The unknown was eating away at many people. As we saw some areas literally consumed by the pandemic, fear was gripping many individuals. In some places, medical resources were overtaxed and tested to the limits. As we have awaited the development of something to help, we have grown weary. As the vaccine candidates have begun to look more promising, many of us have decisions to make. After these vaccines have been offered to healthcare workers and a few other select groups, they will likely be offered to the general public. This may be only a few short months away. Good decision-making will be necessary.
It May Be a Balancing Act
As we look at the statistics, no matter how inaccurate we think they may be, they are overwhelming. Far too many individuals have died who appeared otherwise pretty healthy. Many others have spent long periods of time in hospitals. With this in mind, any successful vaccine seems to be worth a risk. Those in the past that have been used for smallpox, measles, rubella, tetanus, pertussis, and a few others, have been great for supporting better health.
A Bad Vaccine Could Deflate Enthusiasm
Some people have had experiences with vaccines that are far less that good. Besides the small things such as sore injection sites and low-grade fever, some have had considerable illness. Many people have had flu vaccines that have made them feel like they had the flu. Some of these may have been due to the use of live viruses in some form. Many simply feel that they should not take anything into their bodies that were not designed to be there.
It Can Seem Like a Heavy Weight on Us
Especially for those of us who are responsible for others, making a decision about taking a vaccine can be critical. We want the best protection for our family members, but we also don't want to feel that our decisions are at fault for any problems they may incur. For me, studying the history of vaccines and their development is somewhat reassuring. I know that the newer technologies have provided better assurances that we are not taking anything into our bodies in the way of the actual virus. It will be a safer vaccine in that way for sure.
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