Yes, the Cascade is publishing another editorial nagging you to get vaccinated — but seriously, we really mean it. Get vaccinated. Please. British Columbia is steamrolling its way to a face-to-face Fall semester, seemingly whether we’re ready or not, and helping our community to achieve herd immunity is the best way to keep ourselves and our friends, family, and classmates safe.
Whether or not you support public health restrictions on gathering and indoor dining, it’s pretty clear that they haven’t been as effective as they could be. Unlike Australia, who implemented strict stay-at-home orders, border closures, effective testing and tracing systems, and has effectively squashed its second wave, we seem to be stuck taking half-measures. Restaurants open and close, stores count customers — or don’t. Outdoor gatherings are okay — and then they’re not. So, the onus of keeping ourselves and our communities safe is falling on our shoulders, and the best way to do it is to get vaccinated.Â
As of now, everyone over the age of 18 can register quickly and easily online, over the phone, or in person, and you likely won’t have to wait long for your first dose.Â
If you’re hesitant about getting the vaccine, that’s okay. A lot of misinformation and fear-fostering anecdotes have been spread constantly in almost every realm of social media. If you have questions, talk to your doctor. Hell, talk to multiple doctors — or even look to public personality doctors if you’re worried your doctor will judge you. YouTube’s Dr. Mike has a video explaining the COVID-19 vaccine, and Dr. Sydnee McElroy (of the McElroy podcast empire) has an episode of her podcast, Sawbones, that answers COVID-19 questions. If you don’t have access to a regular doctor, especially during a family doctor shortage in B.C., talk to your local pharmacist or call 8-1-1. This free provincial health phone line can connect you with a registered nurse for medical advice any time, or a pharmacist during hours when pharmacies are usually closed.
If you’re concerned about bias when you’re doing research on the vaccine, you can look for information from before COVID-19 jumped to humans about mRNA vaccines, which have been used on similar viruses like SARS and MRSA. It’s always a good idea to look for reputable sources (not biased websites dedicated to dismantling modern medicine or blog posts, for example), and seeking more than one of these sources supporting an idea. Similarly, when you’re reading research papers and you come across confusing scientific concepts or inaccessible terminology, look to gain understanding from trustworthy websites or professionals. If someone calls themselves a doctor, seek to confirm that they’re a medical doctor with experience in the field of pathology, epidemiology, virology, etc. Dermatologists, for instance, aren’t nearly as qualified to speak about COVID-19 unless they’re letting you know their sources and you deem those studies to be reputable.Â
If you’re afraid of needles, that’s okay, too. Before you go, call 8-1-1 or Fraser Health and ask if you can take an oral sedative before your appointment to help suppress your anxiety. When you get to your appointment, tell the nurse administering your vaccine that you’re afraid — they can adjust their technique to make it easier for both of you. Additionally, pharmacies that offer COVID-19 vaccinations often have private rooms where you can be vaccinated and request that a trusted individual join you in for support.
Diseases like measles, smallpox, and polio — which could leave survivors disabled for life, much like COVID-19 — have been successfully eradicated within populations through vaccination and herd immunity. Vaccines can and will help us return to normal — but we’re the ones who are going to determine how quickly, and, as of September, how safely. When you come back to campus, come back vaccinated.
