Many people seem to be shell-shocked (or outraged) that COVID-19 requires a vaccination — or that a booster is now recommended. I find it hard to understand the resistance to vaccination or boosters! Children nationwide have to get seven vaccines to protect them from grave diseases — in some places eight, counting COVID-19. Hardly anyone thinks it’s a malign plot to require that kids be healthy when going to school — not bringing in chicken pox, diphtheria, hepatitis, measles, etc.
Boosters are not a new idea. Adults, especially elders, keep needing boosters for six of these vaccines (or a yearly new vaccine, in the case of flu). That’s now seven boosters, including COVID-19. And there are several more for international travel.
Please, please consider getting the vaccine and boosters. We’re vaccinated, but in our late 70s and vulnerable. There aren’t any hospital beds now for my husband’s next non-COVID health emergency. Not to mention people dying from COVID or lack of hospital space. And a minor point: We’d love to give up wearing masks — they’re essential, just a nuisance. As it is, neither of us may not be around to see that day.
— Vivian Mendenhall
Anchorage
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