Vax Privilege

Freedom vs. Fear and Ignorance

The CDC policy guidelines regarding vaccinated people and masks are wonderful! No masks are needed in most circumstances by fully vaccinated people. That’s awesome. And it makes sense - the mRNA vaccines are 90+% effective, which is miraculous.  

Unvaccinated people are just as susceptible as ever, so they should continue to wear masks as always so that they don’t get other unvaccinated people sick. Nothing’s changed for them. Why? Because they are not vaccinated. The people who are hospitalized and dying of COVID now? Just as they always were: not vaccinated. And that is a damned shame.

There are reports and rumors of unvaccinated people trying to “pass” or “identify” as vaccinated. The question is: “what if the unvaccinated people lie???

As a newly minted vaccinated person, I don’t care… if it were just about me. Go ahead, ‘Rona Marys, spread the load amongst yourselves and reduce the excess population.

But I’m not the only one. It’s not just about me. Sure, I can wade into a sea of sickies now and get through unscathed. That’s why I don’t need a mask. But every kid below 11 and most below 16 are vulnerable. And there are still a lot of people who for whatever reason are unable to get vaccinated, and they’re vulnerable as well to this tomfoolery. So, unvaccinated people should remain masked as usual, and ideally, get vaccinated as soon as possible. And store- and restaurant-owners have the right to keep their mask mandates in place, and of course, I will wear masks when requested or required. It’s really no big deal. It’s really no big deal. And then years from now when your grandkids and great grandkids ask you what you did during the Great Pandemic of ‘20/’21, you can say “well, children, I saved lives! I wore a fucking mask!”

I thought it was interesting that the CDC made the announcement. I am writing this on May 16, and since the announcement, the CDC clarified and fleshed out their guidelines (the first link at the top). Regardless of clarifications since the initial announcement, the CDC had to know that people who lied about COVID existing, and who lied about the vaccine, and who lied about masks, would lie about taking the vaccine just so they can eat mask-free at Denny’s. These same people who are so freaking scared about “vaccine passports” are the same people who demonstrate the need for them. I have to think that the CDC and the “powers that be” factored human treachery into the mix, and determined that the risk seemed within acceptable parameters. Or maybe they are being fatalistic: liars are going to lie anyway, so let them lie. At least let the smart people get back to their lives. Or maybe, the CDC was just interested in laying down the truth that if you are fully vaccinated, you are extremely safe from COVID.

Frankly, I think it’s the last reason: force the issue. If you are vaccinated, you are golden. If you are not vaccinated, you and everyone unvaccinated around you are still vulnerable to the biggest scourge to his this country in my lifetime. Just get the damned vaccine.

If you live in a place like Ohio or New York City, that is incentivizing (bribing?) you? Hey! More power to you. Take your loot and get jabbed!

As for me, I am fully vaccinated as of Friday, and I am extremely happy about it. It’s a good thing. Do it.