I saw a meme on social media this week that made me chuckle. It was a drawing of a child asking Grandmom about the round scar on her upper arm. Grandmom replies that it’s a smallpox vaccine scar. The child wants to know why she doesn’t have one. Grandmom’s answer: “It worked.”
It’s been said that the COVID-19 delta variant could cause a “pandemic of the unvaccinated.” As much as anyone, I respect a person’s right to choose to take the vaccine. But if you haven’t been immunized, I ask that you consider the impact your decision could have on the well-being of our community, your family and your children. The benefits of immunizations clearly outweigh the risks.
Many of our neighbors feel that the pandemic is over and that we can relax. But right now, infection numbers are creeping up again, indicating that we’ve shed our masks and our precautions too soon. Speaking personally, even though I’m fully vaccinated, it’s mask on for me in public or crowded venues.
Your decision impacts more than just your health; it could affect many people you love, the people they love, their friends and their children. If we are going to return to normal, if our children are to be safe in classrooms, if we can safely go back to work or to visit loved ones, everyone must play their part. Please take the vaccine. And if you’re not vaccinated, please respect the rest of us by wearing your mask, maintaining distance and practicing sanitation.
Getting vaccinated is easy and convenient. From drive-up windows at pharmacies to pop-up vaccine clinics, you will find a time and place convenient for you. To find out where to get your immunization, click here or dial 211.
Michelle A. Taylor
President and CEO, United Way of Delaware
