On Sept 17, Pew Research found that 51% of American adults said “they would definitely or probably get a vaccine to prevent COVID-19 if it were available today.” By Dec. 3, Pew Research found that number had increased to 60% who would definitely or probably get the shot, although a majority said “they would be uncomfortable being among the first to take it, and a sizable minority appear certain to pass on getting vaccinated.”
To gauge what the people of Corvallis are thinking as the actuality of a COVID-19 vaccine approaches, The Advocate asked on Facebook if people would or would not be getting vaccinated. The question garnered over 100 responses in under three hours.
Let’s Get a Shot in the Arm
Many Corvallisites were positive about the idea of getting a vaccine. One said, “If it’s good enough for Dr. Fauci, it’s good enough for me.” Another worried about “mask skeptics” getting them sick before they get a shot at, well, getting a shot.
There are concerns about allergies and pre-existing conditions that might cause issues once people get the vaccine. Some even are thankful that their names won’t be higher on the list of recipients as they’d like to see what side effects might arise once millions begin getting the vaccine. Add to that the worry that immunity won’t last long enough to solve the worries that have come about due to the coronavirus.
A big motivator in favor of vaccinating had to do with being able to travel internationally again. Having family in other countries has been a hardship for a lot of people. One responder mentioned a grandchild in Europe who they haven’t seen in a year – a long time in the lifespan of a small child. There was a lot of hope that the vaccine will reopen borders around the world.
Another person wrote, “I haven’t decided if I will or not. But, once I make international plans, if it is required, I will.”
Other big reasons to get the vaccine as soon as possible include either working in the medical field, living with someone working in the medical field, or being safer around at-risk loved ones.
The basic thought for those willing to get the needle was put simply by one person in particular: “I’m ready to get back to working and for life to return to normal.“
Another had a big caveat: “When the vaccine is available for my kids than I will get it. Definitely kids first.”
There were concerns about the speed with which the vaccine was produced. One comment read, “I don’t want to be first in line since a rushed vaccine makes me nervous, but I’ll do my part to keep myself and those around me healthy and things can go back to normal.” Someone replied that the vaccine development timeframe was normal, but that the trials and permits were sped up.
The subject of how long mRNA technology – the technology used to create the vaccine – had been in use came up. Turns out this tech, which is based on synthetic RNA, was proven to work in mice in 1990.
This is the first vaccine to use mRNA technology, a fact that made one responder say, “So I’m going to wait as long as possible but will probably get it eventually if it is required for travel.”
Not Everyone Wants a Shot in the Arm
One responder wrote that they hadn’t gotten vaccines or flu shots since childhood – “I have an immune system. So, no. Definitely not.” This response got a reply of “Pride goeth before a fall, and you may take others down with you.”
Another person compared taking this vaccine with playing Russian roulette.
One person mentioned a rumor they had heard about human embryo being used in the vaccine, which resulted in a mini-avalanche of comments. Eventually, a website discrediting the claim was produced, and it was agreed that people should be more careful with news they find on social media.
A Historical Outbreak Error
One issue that came up had firm footing in reality – the 1976 swine flu vaccine.
After a death from a new strain of the flu in Feb. of 1976, the government determined that this new flu was due in the fall and decided that it would rival the pandemic of 1918. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention decided that at least 80% of Americans getting vaccinated would prevent carnage.
The commenter who brought this up summed it up with, “Dozens of people had died and hundreds more developed Guillain-Barré Syndrome and were paralyzed. I’m not an anti-vaxxer, but I’d like to wait six months and see what happens.“
Who’s Earning What
One final thought came up in this whole interaction. People were wondering who would be making the most profit off of the vaccines, and how much that profit will be seeing as the “elderly, prisoners and health care workers are going to be the first massive set of guinea pigs to try it out.”
Fierce Pharma sees the return on investment in the $40 -100 billion range.
One responder even said, “Bill Gates is selling it.” While it is true that the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation helped fund the research and development of the vaccine, Bill isn’t going door-to-door on this one.
Luckily, we are in the enviable position to have the opportunity to talk this over. There are over 300,000 people who never had the option.
By Sally K Lehman
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