Weekend Musings: My Thoughts On Vaccinations

The USA recently gave the first COVID-19 vaccine shot to a healthcare worker and it was a memorable moment- one I’m sure will go down in history. The UK has also commenced their inoculation process, with over 1,30,000 people receiving the doses in the very first week. Getting the vaccine researched, prepared, tested, and approved in just a year is a remarkable feat that humanity has achieved. For this, we can’t thank our scientists, doctors, and people behind technology enough. It is only through their constant hard work, resilience and expertise is the vaccine seeing the light of the day in record time. Information reflects that It’s not only an outcome of the race against time since the outbreak of COVID-19 but the very fact that technological advancements and ongoing research on coronavirus due to previous outbreaks provided a much-needed head start. This has been a truly transformative journey with the whole world fighting together to find a resolution. For it is also our diligence as a community of quickly adapting to the new normal, sacrificing things that we never imagined we would have to live without- and that it would be so challenging if we did.

This is definitely also a clear-cut example of how far medical science has come with technological advancements. In the past, coming up with cures has taken decades. It is rightfully so then, that people are feeling apprehensive about getting vaccinated. All around me, I see a debate brewing up since the early days of the pandemic, with the pros and cons of a vaccine floating around. Now with the vaccine no longer an ambitious goal, but a tangible reality, no doubt the deliberations are getting heightened as well. The uncertainties about injecting a medicine without knowing its full implications or possible side-effects are understandable. Although, we need to put our trust in our medics and researchers that have been making pioneering efforts in putting this pandemic behind us. I for one, have absolute faith that responsible agencies will take the right decision and only approve of a treatment that is safe and effective.

It is also important for the treatment to reach across all social strata. It will only be effective if every individual that wishes to get the medication is able to access it, no matter the economic or cultural background they come from. For this, extra efforts are called on the part of governments, authorities, and us as a community, to make sure we reach every nook and corner.

That being said, it is also of utmost prominence to not show negligence at the last lap of this journey. Even though the determination might be wearing off, we need to remember that better days are ahead of us. Keeping up with the rules of social distancing and wearing masks is still necessary. We have come a very long way and now only a little more patience is required until we’re able to put all of this behind us and start on the path towards healing and brighter days. Let’s come together, continue to stay optimistic, and help each other remain resolute and hopeful while keeping in mind that we are not alone in this.