COVID - the virus and the vaccine

Are you ready to end this pandemic? Central Virginia has seen a staggering increase in cases of Covid-19 in the past month. 8,000 cases have been confirmed just since January 1st, which is over half of the total cases in our region since the pandemic began. We have seen that our hospital is stressed, reorganizing to allow extra space for the COVID-19 patients. 138 Central Virginians have lost their lives due to COVID-19. Many hundreds more have been out of work, recuperating slowly from their illness.

At the same time, we are making progress in fighting back with the vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) which offer significant (90-95%) protection against overwhelming illness. Some 8,000 doses have been administered to Central Virginians, about 1000 of us are fully immunized with both doses. While the safety and efficacy of the vaccines has been established, some people still feel uncertain. This vaccine benefitted from record funding to help speed the usually unnecessarily slow process, without skipping any step to establish safety in thousands of volunteers. We should remember that 41 millions total doses have now been given in 50 countries all over the world, and the side effects are consistent with the mild and familiar side effects of a tetanus vaccine. Unfortunately it takes 2 weeks after the 2nd dose (which must be given 3 weeks after the 1st) to create full immunity, so time is critical. there is concern that vaccinated individuals (while protected themselves from falling ill) might still be able to spread the germ. So masks are here to stay. But with vaccines, we should be able to gather together, shop and enjoy the theater, travel and breathe easy that we can stop the devastating effects of the coronavirus. Central Virginia entered phase 1b today so that frontline essential workers, people over 65, people 16-64 with underlying conditions, and more can access the vaccine. We will need everyone to work together to end this pandemic in our community. CLICK HERE to find our when and where you can be vaccinated. Talk to your doctor if you have questions about your own health issues. This vaccine signals the beginning of the end of the pandemic. To quote Hamilton, “Do not throw away your shot!”