Braxton Citizens' News

In this weeks edition:

Time to vaccinate…
This column is sure to stir a little debate. Like most of you I thought we were about out of the COVID pandemic. But maybe not.
I listened and read about anything I could get my hands on when the vaccine was first deployed. I admit that I was a little reluctant at first. Even though it was not my initial intent, I took that vaccine not too long after it was offered. As I have reported in this space I had relatively no complications from the shot. Of course, you may also remember my column detailing how I contracted the virus a week after the first vaccination. Fortunately, it was a light case and a month later I took the second shot. The real fact of the matter is that there have been no ill effects to speak of as a result of taking the vaccine.
I have heard a tremendous about of excuses from those who have chose not to follow the course that I did. Many of their reasons are just pure non-sense. The government is not using this as a method to inject us with a tracking device. Being in this business for nearly 50 years certainly has convinced me that government officials need monitoring, in fact they must have someone to hold them accountable. That’s why I so firmly believe in freedom of the press and protecting our right to know.
I get it… yes, it is our right to choose, and I support everyone’s choice. But think for a minute where we would be if in the 50’s and 60’s 40% of the population refused to take the Polio vaccine?
I understand that many don’t think the virus is real and that is rather scary. I understand if an individual prefers to take his or her chances. But what about their loved ones who may ultimately be exposed to the virus? What about the young child that hasn’t been offered the shot, yet? I don’t want it on my conscious that I contributed to someone else’s suffering or death.
I think that vaccinations should be mandatory for certain professions like health care. I would hate to think that my young grandchild was exposed to COVID as a result of being treated for an unrelated ailment at the doctor’s office. I also think educators should have to be vaccinated as a condition of their employment. Most are, and the minority should not be allowed to upset the apple cart.
Sometimes we have to do things we really don’t want to do. In my opinion this is one of them. We help our fellow man… and this is a way we can all contribute. I think its time to put personal feelings aside and do what is best for the group as a whole. In this case, getting vaccinated is best. If you won’t do it for yourself, do it for the two year old with bronchitis or your 80 year old uncle with COPD… It’s time, just do it!