BY ALBIO SIRES

(Washington, D.C.) – It has been over 7 months since the first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine was administered to an ICU Nurse in New York City. Since then, 49.5% of the U.S. population has received full vaccination doses, and a total of 57.4% of people have had at least one dose. Thanks to this quick progress, Americans got a taste of pre-pandemic normalcy as cases plummeted throughout May and June. However, a sharp drop-off in vaccinations has halted this progress, and our country is gearing up for another round of mask-mandates and increased hospitalizations as the Delta variant spreads rapidly. 

The situation does not have to be this way. Yes, we must applaud the progress we have made thus far, but we must also recognize that if we slip-up now, the consequences will harm our communities, economy, and most importantly, the health of our friends, family, and loved ones. New Jersey is leading by example with one of the highest vaccination rates in the country at just over 58% of residents fully vaccinated. We must continue to lead by example by examining innovative ways to reach marginalized and skeptical communities to inform them of the efficacy and safety of the vaccine. Ensuring people have access to vaccines, appropriate safety information, and feel assured by a medical professional is critical in moving more people from thinking of the vaccine to getting a jab in their arm. 

The recent initiatives announced by President Biden will help to bring about these goals across the entire country. The incentives put forth by the administration are aimed to eliminate logistical constraints to scheduling a vaccine appointment. Many people have expressed concern about receiving the vaccine due to their inability to get time off work or find childcare. After last week’s announcement, businesses will now be reimbursed for paid leave that allows people to take time off for their vaccine appointments. Additionally, free childcare will be provided for those who need to drop off their children so they can travel to receive the vaccine. 

But there are still more factors causing hesitancy around the country, so we must examine the facts to dispel rampant myths. Some of the most common reasons cited for vaccine hesitancy are fears over side effects, not believing the safety and efficacy of the vaccine, thinking the vaccine is not needed, and logistical barriers. Many Americans do not realize that over 80% of the country lives within 5 miles of a vaccine appointment. Also, you can schedule a vaccine appointment using: https://www.vaccines.gov/ to pick a location, time, and even type of vaccine that works best for you. It is important to continue aggressively promoting this information, specifically in underserved and hard-to-reach communities, to that the availability of the vaccine is common knowledge for all. 

Other issues causing vaccine hesitancy require correction as well. A common reason for not having gotten the shot is concerns regarding the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. The COVID-19 vaccines developed and currently in use in the United States were scrutinized by top scientists and medical officials under the most intense safety monitoring conditions in the history of medical approval in our country. The vaccine has since been authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and millions of doses have been dealt out to Americans with very minimal cases of side effects. The most common side effects of the COVID-19 vaccine include a mild fever, headache, tiredness and muscle pain shortly after receiving your second dose. This is not a sign of flaw in the vaccine, but rather proof that your immune system is receiving the immunization and building up your body’s natural defense to the virus. Lastly, individuals who feel they do not need the vaccine should simply look to current hospitalization statistics to see the dangers of remaining unvaccinated. Throughout July, the steep rise in cases and deaths were starkly among the unvaccinated, with over 99% of recent deaths and 97% of hospitalizations amongst the unvaccinated.

We must all keep striving to spread truthful information about the vaccine, encouraging our family, friends, and neighbors who have serious questions to speak with their healthcare provider to learn more. The misinformation and doubt sewn about the vaccine by certain individuals is damaging to our country’s response to the virus.

Albio Sires is the Congressman from the 8th Congressional District.