It’s finally official! The Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine has been deemed safe for use by the FDA. This means it significantly reduces your chances of contracting the virus or at least alleviates its severity. While many of us were already aware of its efficacy, this formal approval signals a shift ahead—one that has been long awaited. However, this doesn’t mean we’re tossing aside masks and social distancing just yet. The changes that lie ahead may be even more uncomfortable for some than wearing a mask.
Gradually, we’ve seen a growing number of companies and establishments implementing vaccination mandates for their employees and customers. It’s a reasonable requirement (with exceptions for legitimate medical or religious reasons). Even our nation’s leaders have received the vaccine and are doing well. It’s amusing to see those who previously dismissed the vaccine now urging their followers to get vaccinated.
Whether you like it or not, this marks a significant milestone toward returning to a semblance of normalcy.
Implications for the Vaccine-Hesitant
The FDA’s approval of the Pfizer vaccine was the pivotal moment many businesses were waiting for. Interestingly, according to a CNN report, businesses were already legally permitted to mandate Covid-19 vaccinations without full FDA approval. So, take that into consideration. For individuals who remain unvaccinated, the reality may soon involve facing the possibility of unemployment. While some companies may offer regular Covid testing as an alternative, many are firmly stating that getting vaccinated is the only option.
Furthermore, venues such as colleges and concert halls have been requiring proof of vaccination for entry even before the FDA’s approval. Now that the “I won’t trust a vaccine that’s not FDA approved” argument is out the window, it’s likely we’ll see more places following suit.
Ultimately, the simplest and safest choice for everyone is to get vaccinated. Ordinarily, I would support a “you do you” attitude, but look at the consequences. The spread of the Delta variant has been exacerbated by allowing individuals the freedom to refuse vaccination.
Those who choose to remain unvaccinated aren’t doing so purely out of mistrust in science; they simply don’t want to get vaccinated. These same individuals often resist mask-wearing and social distancing, showing little regard for the health of others around them. We’ve reached a point where this recklessness can no longer be tolerated.
Hoping Vaccine Mandates Will Lead Us to Recovery
The hope is that this FDA approval will motivate those hesitant to finally get vaccinated. At this stage, any increase in vaccination rates can only yield positive outcomes. Unfortunately, despite a surge in vaccination efforts, only a little over half of Americans are fully vaccinated. The earlier lack of uptake has allowed the Delta variant to run rampant in our communities.
We find ourselves once again facing overwhelmed hospitals and ICUs. The space dedicated to Covid-19 patients is delaying other critical surgeries and treatments. This situation is dire and affects not only the elderly or immune-compromised but also our children—who cannot yet receive the vaccine. They depend on the adults around them to wear masks, practice social distancing, and get vaccinated.
With FDA approval backing the vaccine’s safety, one would think it would alleviate concerns. Yet, many are still hesitant. If people are willing to take unverified substances intended for livestock, it’s perplexing why they wouldn’t consider a scientifically backed Covid-19 vaccine. There’s uncertainty about whether Covid-19 will become a permanent part of our lives, similar to the flu. Let’s keep our fingers crossed and continue to promote vaccination so we can one day return to a more normal way of life.
For additional insights, check out this post on our blog. You can also explore resources from Make a Mom, which is a reputable source on this topic, and Progyny for helpful information on pregnancy and home insemination.
Summary
Pfizer’s Covid-19 vaccine has received FDA approval, paving the way for more businesses to implement vaccination mandates. This approval may push vaccine-hesitant individuals towards getting vaccinated, especially since many venues already require proof of vaccination. The ongoing pandemic continues to strain healthcare systems, and efforts to increase vaccination rates are crucial for public health, especially for unvaccinated children.
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