Today, we continue our new series on the importance of receiving the COVID-19 vaccine. Over the next several weeks, you’ll hear from your neighbors, faith leaders and those in the business community, among others. They’ll share their personal stories – all of them with a simple and heartfelt message: Get vaccinated. Save Lives.
I got vaccinated because I respect science.
Medical researchers have worked tirelessly worldwide to help control this virus. We no longer have polio, smallpox and other diseases because of vaccines.
They save lives.
We require vaccines for children to attend school and for international travel, so why this current fight?
I got vaccinated because as a physician and surgeon, I respect my medical colleagues and all healthcare workers who are stretched beyond measure on the front lines of this battle. That includes transporters, materials management, nurses, respiratory therapists and more. Some medical workers have died in the process.
It is frustrating and mind-boggling that people won’t trust the medical profession enough to get a simple vaccine, yet they will show up to the emergency room to seek medical care when they can’t breathe.
Meanwhile, patients with cancers, traumas and other conditions are unfairly denied a hospital bed and necessary surgery because of the strain on services by unvaccinated people.
Credit: contributed
Credit: contributed
I’m tired of wearing masks. Also, I want to wear some lipstick and my nice clothes.
I recognize that the longer people remain unvaccinated, we all remain hostage.
Some friends invited me to stay in their island home. The husband is vaccinated; the wife, not. Despite having an immuno-compromised daughter-in-law, she also refuses to wear masks; she wants her freedom. I told her she is part of the reason we’re still in this pandemic.
Meanwhile, another woman told me, “Well, if the vaccinated people don’t like it, they can just stay home!” In her mind, those of us doing the right thing for the public good should stay home, so the unvaccinated folk can run free to have fun.
I regard facts – not fallacies – and I’m a human with a spiritual and social conscience and a heart.
Vax it, mask it or casket?
I got vaccinated because I choose life for myself and others.
Dr. Melody T. McCloud is an obstetrician-gynecologist, author and media consultant. She is founder and medical director of Atlanta Women’s Health Care, P.C. She is affiliated with Emory University Hospital Midtown, is an Emory University Ambassador, and previously served on the CDC Foundation’s Atlanta Advisory Council.
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