Commentary: Health care employee gives thoughts on vaccine

For the record, I’m vaccinated and will get the booster.

Would I like to see everyone vaccinated? Yes. I, personally, believe it’s the right thing to do for others, let alone yourself.

Is my opinion open for debate? Sure, but come with the facts and not what your buddy wrote on his Facebook page.

Will you change my opinion? I’m always open to change, but honestly, it’s doubtful in this case. I’ve done my research.

Does it bother me personally if you don’t get vaccinated? No. Life has other challenges and far too little time to spend on a single one.

If it becomes a condition of employment will I champion it? Absolutely. Let me say that again: Absolutely.

Do I realize it doesn’t prevent Covid-19? Yes, for a long time I’ve known that.

Do I know how well it prevents serious illness? Intensive Care Unit numbers and unvaccinated patients across the nation support that.

Do flu shots prevent the flu? No.

Do I get one every year? Without hesitation. Like Covid-19, it improves your odds and lessens the severity.

Do I credit vaccinations for where we are with mumps, measles, rubella and polio? Absolutely. If you’re too young to remember, you have your research assignment.

Do I care if you end up in my ICU fighting for your life? Yes. Every death at our hospital has affected me personally and professionally. I don’t want to see anyone go through that.

Have I seen it? No, but I have a number of amazingly dedicated and passionate friends at the bedside who have compelling and tragic stories I’ve helped them share. Also, great stories of resilience and brilliance.

Does it bother me every time we post something about Covid-19 and my teammates, my heroes, get ripped apart by the “Internet educated” experts? More than I can express. Walk an hour, walk a minute, in their shoes.

Do I trust my doctors? With my life.

Do I trust my nurses? With my life.

Do I trust the science and research? Unequivocally.

Do I want you to make an educated choice based on science and research? Please.

As a non-clinical healthcare employee, what do I want most? To never see any of you on the daily Covid-19 admission list.

Am I done? Yup.

While Roger Follebout is Community Relations Director for TidalHealth in Salisbury, the above opinion is his own and doesn’t necessarily reflect the opinion of his employer. — Editor.