5 minute read

HEALTHY YOU

from November 2021

by At Home Memphis & Mid South

from November 2021, page 42

IN THE GARDEN

Vaccinated vs. Unvaccinated in a

Time of Unity and Gratitude STORY MICHELLE JOHNS

MA, LPC-MHSP (TEMP), NCC, 200 HR E-RTY, 500 HR RYT

the past two years have been among the most challenging many have ever experienced. Coronavirus has brought fear and division to communities in our country and around the world. As we enter the season of gratitude and gathering, I wonder how the vaccination status will impact the communion of family and friends.

Social media and news channel debates continue to thrive and divide, with the loudest voices prevailing and railing against the vaccine hesitant. The debates are fierce and the words are harsh. While the fear may be warranted, the division is not!

Late in 2019, COVID-19 began to make its way around the world. In March 2020 the world united in a two-week lockdown to curtail the viral spread. The act proved to be futile and, in some form, we have continued to take precautions such as working from home, masking in public and receiving vaccines to protect ourselves and others from the disease. By autumn of 2021, the virus continued to wreak havoc. As of this writing, the CDC reports 44,801,768 people have contracted COVID and 722,212 have died.

For the past few weeks, I have written and rewritten this article with my thoughts on the COVID vaccinations. Other than conversations in small social circles, it is a topic about which I have publicly avoided comment. After some time reading and listening to the most recent research, I feel compelled to attempt to posit a civil presentation of perspective. I recognize this subject is so controversial it is sure to incite various responses of dissention and agreement. Nonetheless, it is fair to attempt to engage in civil dialogue with the hope that we can respectfully agree or disagree.

Personally, I know of six people who died from COVID-related causes. I also know of six people who have had serious adverse reactions to the Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson vaccinations, two of which resulted in death and one in near death. I know countless people who contracted the virus without having been vaccinated and fully recovered. Some experienced long COVID but have regained function at preCOVID level. I know countless people who have been vaccinated with seemingly no adverse effects. The official database used to record adverse reactions to vaccination is a self-reporting system, thus it is hard to gauge the accuracy of national or global reporting.

Current research is disappointing, information is scant and leading experts are hesitant to report anything other than pro-vaccination data; which leaves us with enough information to spark hesitation as well as to make some sort of informed decision. Following is a bullet point list of highlights I have read in scientific journals or heard from leading experts such as CNN’s Dr. Sanjay Gupta and Stanford’s Dr. Jay Bhattacharya, a leading public health expert and medical doctor often featured on Fox News.

Recent research indicates...

• Vaccinated people are eight times less likely to contract COVID. (Dr. Gupta and Dr. Bhattacharya)

• Unvaccinated people are 4.6 times more likely to contract COVID and 11 times more likely to die from COVID.

• Natural immunity (immunity obtained from contracting COVID naturally) is stronger and lasts longer than vaccineinduced immunity.

• Vaccinated people are 13 times more likely to contract a breakthrough case of COVID than those with natural immunity.

• Vaccinated and unvaccinated people can contract and spread the virus.

• The effects of the vaccine begin to wane within three to eight months of being vaccinated. Booster shots may increase protection against the virus.

• People with comorbidities are at a higher risk of death from COVID than those with no known comorbidities.

• People without the vaccine have a 99.5% chance of surviving the virus.

• Boys ages 12 to 16 are four times more likely to develop myocarditis as a result of the vaccine.

• According to Dr. Bhattacharya, children are highly likely to recover if infected.

• The long-term adverse effects of the vaccine are yet to be seen or realized. Findings from two-, five-, 10- and 20-year follow-up studies will reveal what, if any, there are. As an example, after 20 years of study, researchers only recently discovered previously unknown side effects of Tylenol.

The situation is complex. The decision to vaccinate or to hesitate and choose to vaccinate later or never is not an easy one for many people. As humans sharing in an unprecedented life experience, we need to make room for civil discussion and dialogue. We need to respect everyone’s decision to choose the best course of action for themselves. Given that the vaccine does not prevent the spread of the virus and does seem to offer some degree of personal protection, it is okay to be pro vaccine while supporting those who are vaccine hesitant—to work, play and socialize with vaccinated and unvaccinated people with equal precaution. Leading experts agree the virus is now a part of our living environment. Future conversations need to focus on treatment options and prevention rather than solely on vaccinations and death.

As you look forward to the upcoming season of gathering with family and friends, continue to do the things that make you feel most comfortable and protected, but try to make room for everyone at the table.

In the meantime, if you have questions for me, please email me at mjohns@transforming-wellness.com. I am happy to share my resources and scientific research links with you to help you continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of COVID-related data.