Glenn Melancon/Contributing writer
I hate to repeat myself, but maybe now somebody is willing to listen. I wrote the following on June 26, 2021. I have only edited a little to update a few data points. This discussion is life or death.
The vaccines are highly safe and effective. Government and private researchers worked diligently to develop and test them. Experience with other vaccines has taught us that side effects appear quickly and not over the long-term.
With millions around the world taking the vaccines, scientists have a pretty good understanding about the benefits and the risks of each. This information has been shared with doctors and public healthcare officials.
We now know that unvaccinated individuals risks death, hospitalization and long-term disability. All of these could result in financial bankruptcy. On the other hand, vaccination protects against death, hospitalization and long-term disability.
Nearly every person dying or hospitalized has not had the vaccination. Everyone needs to talk to a trusted medical professional about this life saving treatment.
The time to act is now.
In other parts of the world, the virus is mutating, or changing, faster than vaccinations. A virus is a living organism. Like all life, viruses evolve to survive and reproduce. The Delta variant, which scientist first found in India, transmits faster and kills humans more effectively.
The current vaccines protect against known variants. This situation might not last. As Covid 19 spreads and reproduces, there is always the possibility a more deadly strain will evolve.
The best way to solve the mutation problem is slowing the spread. Not only have vaccines proven safe and effective at preventing death and serious illness, they have also slowed the transmission chain from one human to another. They are not perfect.
Scientists tell us the vaccination rate needs to be near 70%. Unfortunately, there are still a significant number of our neighbors who deny the dangers of Covid and refuse to vaccinate themselves.
Since June 29 the vaccination rate across Texas has only risen from 41% from 44%. In Grayson County, the rate is worse. Only rose from 32% fully vaccinated to 33%. That is only half the recommended rate.
Please talk to your family and friends. Covid 19 has killed over 600,000 Americans. On June 29th, it was killing 300 of our neighbors every day. Now, it is killing nearly 400 Americans every day.
Encourage them to seek medical advice from a professional. It could be a life or death conversation.
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.