By Glenn Melancon
The Covid 19 vaccine has been a lifesaver for millions of Americans. Nearly 59% of Americans over 12 have taken advantage of this pro-life drug. The unvaccinated patients account for nearly all deaths and hospitalizations.
Unfortunately, we live a region of the country that still believes lies about Covid and the vaccine. For example, while Connecticut and Massachusetts vaccination rates of 79%, Texas, Oklahoma and Louisiana have vaccination rates of 65%, 57%, and 53% respectively.
The vaccination rate in rural counties is even worse. Grayson County (my home county) has a 42% rate. Bowie and Marion counties are at 38%. This does not bode well for the winter months.
All we have to do is look at Europe to predict how this will play out. Europeans started moving indoors for the colder weather several weeks ago. That change in behavior has caused an uptick in Covid cases.
The outbreaks, however, are not uniform. In places like Portugal, with a vaccination rate of 86%, there are a few cases. In Russia, the epicenter of anti- vaccine propaganda, the vaccination rate is 36% and a high number of cases.
The science and practical experience is clear. Vaccines save lives and money. Refusing the vaccine is like playing Russia roulette. Even if the virus doesn’t kill you, it could leave you disabled or bankrupt.
As we approach the colder months, we do have some advantages over Europeans. The Center of Disease Control has approved the vaccine of children over 5. Vaccinating more children will slow the spread.
We also now know that the booster shots help increase the vaccines’ effectiveness. Both natural immunity and vaccine immunity decreases over time. Giving a vaccine to those that had Covid or a vaccine already strengthens the immune response.
If we act now, we can save lives. We have the knowledge. Too many of our neighbors, however, have decided to believe the lies. Texas Governor Gregg Abbot is even fighting against vaccinations.
This problem is a tougher nut to crack. Every time a conservative politician and talk show host tries to nudge their audience toward the vaccine, the audience lashes out. Like the mob that attacked the United States’ Capitol on January 6, conservatives prefer the destructive lies to the truth.
What does this mean for you and me? First, talk to your doctor about the vaccine or booster for yourself and your loved one. Take it if you can. Second, practice sensible social distancing. Don’t stand in other people’s personal space and avoid tightly packed indoor events.
It gives me great comfort knowing that my wife and children have taken the vaccine. We’ll survive the winter. I can’t help but wonder how many more Americans must die for a lie.
Glenn Melancon is a professor of history at Southeastern Oklahoma State University. He can be reached at glenn@glennmelancon.com. His opinions are his own and do not reflect those of the Jefferson Jimplecute.