Will You Roll up Your Sleeve?
By Tom Herrin
As all of us have waited for any good news about some way to combat the virus that has plagued us, it finally began to come in pieces. A viable treatment seemed to involve a lot of risky chances, so our best means appeared to be a good vaccine. With the technology available today, the vaccine effort that we all felt was creeping along has actually moved with lightning speed. The possible incentives have enticed multiple companies to put all of their efforts into research and development. The results have been a regular approval of many candidates. While many of those on the front line have now been vaccinated, we wait to see what kinds of affect it will have. In the very near future, each of us will have the opportunity to choose whether or not we will take a vaccine. Now is the time for us to read and study all we can to determine what will be best for us.
It May Be a No-Brainer
As we look at some of the past success of vaccines, it is no wonder that there is widespread optimism. Many of the vaccines that have been previously developed have put a halt to epidemics and virtually eliminated childhood diseases. Those like measles, mumps, and chickenpox were once, at the very least, a dreaded discomfort. Some even ended up with serious consequences. Rubella was known to cause many birth defects. Tetanus was a major cause of death in many wars. Today they have all been limited by vaccines.
It May Require Some Serious Thought
While some have had great luck with vaccines, some others have found them to be risky. A few vaccines have simply had bad batches. Others have caused reactions that have ranged from fever, and pain to impaired mental functions and seizures. Some have had long term consequences. Some individuals are fearful of taking something foreign into their bodies. Many fear the manufacturing procedures or the speed of a new vaccine that they feel has been rushed into use too soon.
Each of Us Is Free to Choose
We live in a land of choice. It is our privilege and responsibility to choose wisely. We are well educated enough to investigate our options and decide according to how they fit our needs. Our only obligation is to ourselves. We must learn all we can and make a decision that we can live with. The only issue is that we need to be prepared to make that decision soon.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Stafford, Va.