I know that this is not the part of the community that's causing the problem. I'm not accusing anyone here of anything. But I want to make this very clear to everyone - if you're age 12 or older, PLEASE consider getting the vaccine. And no matter how old you are, PLEASE wear a mask when you can. If you or your parents are against the vaccine for any reason, here's what I want you to know: - It's not about politics. COVID doesn't care whether you're a Republican, Democrat, from the United States, or anywhere else. This isn't about the government trying to force you to do something against your will - spoiler! It's not. The fact is, people who are refusing the vaccine because of politics are putting not only themselves, but everyone around them in danger. This isn't about you, it's about the good of everyone and to make sure that everyone is healthy. Getting the vaccine is a step towards herd immunity, which acts as a barrier for those who actually cannot receive the vaccine. It's a selfish act to refuse the vaccine because you have the "right" to refuse it. That's not a reason - that's just stubbornness. - The vaccine is safe. Millions of people have received it. Yes, you may experience some fatigue, soreness, tiredness, or other mild symptoms after receiving the vaccine. Those are temporary, and it's much less severe than actually contracting the virus itself. - The vaccine is effective. Receiving the vaccine does not mean that you won't get the virus, but it does mean that if you do happen to get the virus, your symptoms will likely be much less severe, and your odds of being hospitalized are much, much lower. - Don't believe conspiracy theories. The vaccine does not magnetize you, it does not allow the government to track you, it is not poison, it is not a government hoax. It simply strengthens your immune system's defenses against COVID-19 by helping it develop antibodies to attack the virus before you actually get the virus. - If you or your parents are against the vaccine for whatever reason, I strongly encourage you to talk to your parents and do some extra research. Maybe talk to a doctor or someone else who has already received the vaccine. Remember that nobody is forcing you to get the vaccine, but receiving it will benefit you, should you contract COVID-19, and it will benefit everyone around you. - Please wear a mask if you can in public. Whether you have gotten the vaccine or not, wearing a mask helps prevent the spread of the virus, whether that's from others to you or from you to them. Remember that even if you're vaccinated, you can still spread the virus or contract it. Wearing a mask and receiving the vaccine are some of the strongest defenses against the virus. Doing both of these things is a step towards ending the pandemic and returning to normal.
I forgot where the image came from. Somewhere on Google. And yes, I am VERY serious about this. I know I may seem a bit paranoid, but I really care about this. We've hit a road block as a society - there are people who can't receive the vaccine, and there are people who can but refuse it. That's not right. At all.
