Unvaccinated COVID-19 patients monopolizing healthcare resources
I am a medical student working in metro Atlanta. Currently, our emergency rooms are flooded with patients to triple their capacity -- with makeshift beds lining the hallway. Our waiting rooms are full of possible COVID-positive patients waiting for tests. All Emory hospitals and Grady are on divergence. All non-urgent procedures are on hold. Our hospitals cannot admit new patients, even those presenting through the ER, due to the sheer number of COVID-19 patients occupying ICU and hospital beds. The majority of these patients are unvaccinated.
Although receiving a COVID-19 vaccine has been hyper-politicized, it is a matter of public health and protecting our community. All of us received over 20 vaccinations from ages birth to 16 without the blink of an eye. What makes this any different?
It is unfair to our stroke and heart patients, those who are immunocompromised or otherwise critically ill, to let one small subset of the population monopolize our healthcare resources. Folks in need of care for emerging conditions are dying because of this.
If you still choose not to be vaccinated, please realize that it is jeopardizing others’ lives through no fault of their own.
ANJALI CHANDRA, ATLANTA
Fact-based, strongly worded vaccination editorial a winner
Your Sept. 1 editorial leadership addressing “foolish, idiotic, irresponsible, willful inaction” regarding COVID-19 vaccinations resulting in “barely 41% fully-vaccinated” was perfect. I don’t recall a similar dressing-down, likely including your customers, but I love your courage and character. You provided vaccine facts. You noted “many losing patience with your flippant refrain about personal choice, wrapped in a seemingly patriotic cloak, your rejection of common sense, common courtesy, civic duty, and shared humanity.” With my Marine officer background, I know true leadership when I see it, and you showed it. Thank you. I’ll keep this historic issue.
DANIEL F. KIRK, KENNESAW
