For most of my life, I have suffered from autoimmune deficiencies, including asthma. Having preexisting health conditions means I am more at risk for contracting COVID-19 and suffering serious side effects. It has been difficult to stay in my house, but I’ve been too anxious and scared of stepping foot outside and accidentally being exposed.
That’s why I’m so excited about the vaccines. These shots will finally get us back to normalcy — and I couldn’t be happier. I am thankful to the pharmaceutical companies that innovated in record time to produce these. I know they play an important role in the lives of all patients in Delaware.
However, I worry about how legislation might change the development of cures and treatments. We have been able to fight COVID-19 because of the free-market system, but now, proposals like price setting are being introduced that would increase legislative oversight into the pharmaceutical industry.
I believe that allowing the government to decide our health care is dangerous — especially because of the important role scientific innovation plays in protecting public health. I hope our elected officials recognize this, too, and will fight against any such policies.
Charly Bass
Wilmington
