[jimjamuser]

Originally Posted by GrumpyOldMan

True.

Very little can go wrong with the mRNA vaccine (I never heard that one before - LOL).

But, seriously, mRNA builds on past vaccine data and has been in testing for decades. There is always the possibility of something happening with anything new, but the odds are in the vaccine's favor.

If we are going to worry about everything new, then most food can not be eaten. Most medications can't be taken. Shouldn't fly on new airplanes for at least a couple of years (Boeing 737Max? and now 787?). And on and on.

Yes, stuff happens. If you want to live your life in a constant state of fear, well, it's your life.

When it comes to vaccines to stop pandemics, I can see them becoming mandatory next year. If we get another significant surge and another 1/2 million Americans die. I don't think that is going to happen; it is unlikely. But then the original was supposed to be self-terminating and no worse than influenza. So, we won't know until we do know just how bad their new variants are.

I believe the benefits of stopping the virus out weight the potentially harmful long-term effects - in my very not so humble opinion. And I am not just talking about medical benefits; there are economic benefits to the country (world!). There are lifestyle benefits to people gaining the confidence to get back to their "normal" lives. There are long-term benefits to children being able to get back to school. And on and on.

I completely understand how some people are concerned that the virus is new and has not undergone long-term testing. But, I struggle to understand how someone our age is so worried about "long-term" side effects that they are not willing to risk it for the good of our country, neighbors, and grandchildren. I mean to be fair, just how "long term" can they be at our age?

I will be lucky if I can get another ten years out of this old worn-out body.

Good solid post!