May 18, 2021 by Mya Davidson
The world took a major turn last year as COVID-19 struck the world causing a huge panic for people around the world. Everyone rushed to get more information and protect themselves against the unknown. In a panic, Americans began to stock up on toilet paper and disinfectant supplies causing a shortage. Social distancing and wearing face masks became the norm as scientists hurried to get answers and a vaccine to solve the world’s problem.
Amid all the chaos, the Moderna, Pfizer, and Johnson & Johnson vaccines were born, two requiring two shots, and the other only one. The vaccines were made to lower the chances of catching COVID-19 and reduce the risk of spreading the disease. However, skepticism grew among people due to fast production and unknown side effects. Fear began to consume many Americans and hesitation began to turn into myths turning people away from taking the vaccine.
Despite hesitation from many Americans, last week the CDC announced that people who are fully vaccinated will no longer have to wear a face mask in public and can resume activities done before the pandemic. Businesses will now be allowed to operate at 100% capacity. Consequently, people are now worried because there is no way to distinguish fully vaccinated from non-vaccinated people. These guidelines are strictly going off the “honor” system. Some public health experts are saying that the new guidelines are being used as an incentive to entice non-vaccinated people to get the shot because they will no longer have to wear a face mask. But can we trust people will be truthful about being vaccinated? Is America setting itself up for failure? Is it still too early to open the world back up?
Because of these new guidelines, people are faced which two options: get vaccinated or continue to social distance. Now, the only way to be completely safe is to get vaccinated. According to the CDC, people are considered fully vaccinated 2 weeks after their second dose in a 2-dose series from the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines or 2 weeks after a single dose of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. Now, anyone ages 12 and up, as well as pregnant women, can get vaccinated. About 47 percent of people in the United States have received at least one vaccine dose, and appointments are readily available across the country.
Park DuValle Community Health Center offers the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson vaccine at all sites. Take part in helping put COVID-19 behind us and make our communities healthy and safe. Go to our website at www.pdchc.org for more information.