Two months ago, the Center for Disease Control said that about 15% of Hawai`i’s adults remained “unsure” or “hesitant” about getting a COVID-19 vaccination. That “wait and see” attitude is still in play, even with positive vaccine results worldwide and widespread incentives locally being dangled for anyone who gets a shot. And we know that Hawai`i people love to gamble. But not getting vaccinated- gambling with your life (or the lives of those around you)? Not so much fun. That 15% figure represents over 120,000 adults here- a lot of still cautious and/or doubting vacci-waiters.
So exactly when will “wait and see” morph into “OK, now I feel comfortable”? After all, it’s been six months since the first mass vaccines were given, and things seem to be working out quite well. Need more proof? How come. We’ve had proof for decades about the value of avoiding cigarettes, alcohol, drugs, fried food, processed food, and sugar drinks, yet many ignore good science and keep right on trucking.
Aside from the ridiculous political overtones the vaccination concept originally took, some people are probably tired of “the man” telling them what to do, what to put or not put into their bodies. I get it. When the world seems reduced to eating just kale, blueberries, and walnuts, it’s not much fun. But vaccinations are more than just about “me”. They’re about everyone you come in contact with, love, like, or hope to see again.
How sad would it be, after 16-months, to get a wicked case of COVID with possible lifelong complications? After all, you’ve managed to get by… so far. Some don’t have the wherewithal to get to vaccination sites due to schedules, economics, or a true understanding of the situation. The state is doing a lot to help those people through convenient community and mobile sites, working with ethnic elders to spread the word, etc.
Some avoiders here also still don’t believe the COVID threat. Not sure what part of millions of COVID deaths or tens of millions incapacitated in some way (possibly for life) sounds phony or conspiratorial, but I hope you don’t find out the truth the hard way.
Let’s push beyond the so-called “herd immunity” threshold soon here. Let’s be #1 in saving lives and avoiding COVID-19 spread; it sure beats being #1 in cost of living, housing, milk, Spam consumption, and doing business.
Think about it…