Covid-19 Vaccine
Medical experts and governing bodies are concerned about the risks people are carrying by refusing to get the covid-19 vaccine. Even though the number of cases in the United States is declining and the virus is not circulating as much any longer. However, the delta variant is quite dangerous and also highly contagious.
The world is currently divided into two categories:
- A higher percentage of vaccinated people leading their regular lives
- A higher percentage of unvaccinated people still facing lockdowns and suffering from the economic crisis.
It is safe to say that the world is on the edge and constantly trying to figure out ways that can bring the world back to pre COVID-19 times. However, every individual needs to follow the COVID-19 guidelines to bring back safer times.
Many countries have declared victory over COVID-19 and have proceeded to reopen businesses, tourism, educational institutes, and entertainment arenas. Others are still struggling to convince their population to get the covid-19 vaccine and to protect those who cannot get the vaccine shot.
Success in California
California is the most populated state in the United States and has declared that it has reopened completely. All the physical distancing and mask mandates have been lifted as people visit the Universal Studios in Los Angeles. It opened after about 56% of the total population in California had received the covid-19 vaccine.
What Risks Do Unvaccinated People Face?
While this may sound like a piece of happy news, people must continue to follow all COVID-19 guidelines while enjoying day-to-day activities. Vaccination does not bring an entire population or area into a protective bubble. Most parts of the world are still vulnerable to the pandemic.
According to a report published in The Washington Post, COVID-19 cases are still on the rise especially in places where only a small amount of people have received shots of the covid-19 vaccine. These rates were found from places where most people receive their shots. The numbers are either stagnant or falling.
All the available covid-19 vaccines are proving to be highly effective at keeping people safe from developing severe cases of the virus. Most of the new cases being reported in the United States that are resulting in hospitalization are those who are unvaccinated.
The Delta Variant
Healthcare experts around the world have their eyes set on mutations of the virus-like the delta variant. The delta variant results in severe symptoms and the chances of losing the battle are higher than the normal covid-19. This variant started in India and the world saw how terrible the situation became in April 2021. While countries like Canada, Israel, UK, and the US talk about how more than half of their population getting at least one shot of the covid-19 vaccine, India’s percentage remains below 20%.
The former director of CDC (Centres for Disease Control and Prevention), Dr. Tom Frieden has talked about some dangerous predictions in his blog. According to him, the Delta variant is now present and spreading rapidly in 62 counties including the United States.
About 2% of all cases reported in the United States in early June were the delta variant. However, in a matter of few weeks, the percentage increased to 6%. Dr. Frieden further stated that this percentage is likely to increase in all areas where the rates of getting covid-19 vaccines are low.
The main concern of all healthcare authorities is that people without a covid-19 vaccine can pass on the delta variant and even some more dangerous versions in the near future. Children who are 12 years old and younger cannot get the vaccine dose. Hence, they are most vulnerable to contracting the virus.
Possible Spikes in Unvaccinated Groups
People who did not get the covid-19 vaccine shot are in grave danger of contracting the COVID-19 virus. Recent reports from hospitals show that all those who are hospitalized due to the severity of the virus are unvaccinated.
Unvaccinated people may get protection if countries reach herd immunity. This is only possible if the adults get vaccinated and protect children and those who cannot get the vaccine shot. None of the countries in the world are there yet, including the United States.
It is important to get the covid-19 vaccine as medical imaging has shown better lung conditions in vaccinated patients. Advance medical technology also shows how the lungs are affected through diagnostic medical imaging.
Another thing to keep in mind is that there is a percentage of natural immunity in certain regions. However, the number of cases will be higher in areas where natural immunity is low. There is no way to determine how certain areas can be affected while others become immune. The only way is to monitor the stats and get as many people vaccinated as possible.
If you are not vaccinated, get the shot at your earliest and encourage others to do the same. Similarly, if you know someone who was affected by the delta variant, it would be a good idea for them to look into diagnostic imaging as it helps in identifying the severity of the virus. All diagnostic imaging networks work the same way and if someone has symptoms, contacting the ones located in the vicinity is ideal.
Calculating the Odds
For people who have not received the covid-19 vaccine, the odds of contracting a severe case of COVID-19 in the following three months are high. Some doctors consider this thought outrageous and in return question why those who are eligible to get vaccinated not getting the shot?
The number of cases decreased as compared to the initial outbreak of the virus. However, the decline was mostly because of strict precautions and SOPs. The process of getting a covid-19 vaccine is an important one and as more get vaccinated, the precautionary measures will become lax. However, the risk of positive COVID-19 cases may rise again if a bigger proportion of the population does not get the covid-19 vaccine in time.
The uncertainty is still there and strict covid-19 guidelines need to be followed or we could go back to dealing with serious conditions. As the United States and other countries are working tirelessly to reach a higher level of immunity, healthcare professionals continue urging everyone to get the covid-19 vaccine. Getting the vaccine means protecting oneself and those around you from the deadly virus. It protects society as a whole and gives us the chance of quickly getting back to our normal lives.
The world too is slowly opening up with some norms reviving again in many countries. No one is allowing the entrance of unvaccinated individuals in certain venues. Parents who are not vaccinated will not be allowed to sign their children up for schools and other activities. Similarly, couples who are expecting a baby will not be allowed to enter hospitals unless they have proof of their vaccination.
Unvaccinated people should consider getting the covid-19 vaccine as soon as possible to help avoid getting into a serious crisis once again. We all need to do our part.