[Andyb]

Some information is being censored and taken down. The government and main stream media only report what they want you to hear. The CDC and FDA is part of government. You need to make your own decisions. Don’t shoot the messenger.

[LoisR]

Love it. A coroner? Sound like your drumming up business. Registered nurse telling you that doctors, PhDs, immunologists, etc are wrong. Only in America. What a joke.

[Guitarman1951]

I hope this load of BS falls on deaf ears. Vaccinations historically effect some negatively but the benefits to the population as a whole far outweigh those very few. They stopped polio vaccination because the vaccinations totally eliminated it. It has already been shown that people who have had covid can get it again. In fact my grandson has had it twice and the second time, contrary to most who get it twice, was much worse. He gave it to his mother when he came home from college. It has been very rough on her. I think I'll trust the CDC on this before listening to some rambling BS. I sure hope everyone gets a vaccine so we can put this behind us and get back to normal.

[Jacob85]

I will admit I did not make it to the end of this because so many things came to mind while I was reading. I don’t think being in the medical field is enough for a person to know the most about the vaccine. I have researched this extensively and found first that your natural immunity only lasts a short time with Covid. This is evidenced by the fact in part that people have gotten it twice. I did hear you may be able to get by with one shot if you have had it.
This vaccine process has been in the making for over 20 years. It is not something that was developed over night. The MRNA does not enter your cells as works on the protein layer of the cell. I have a relative who has had a number of underlying conditions so would be very vulnerable to the disease and has had both shots and has done great. When you already have fluid in your lung you can’t take the chance of getting Covid! I am not a medical person but have researched this ever since the beginning. Finally the Johnson and Johnson vaccine is made a different way. I wanted the one with MRNA because I researched it but the other one may be your choice if you don’t trust it, which I do!
Finally they don’t know if you can give it to someone if you have been vaccinated and recently I heard they are beginning to rethink this, however, they are wanting more evidence before they jump to that conclusion. The new mutations are here in Florida more than any other state.
If I see someone out now without a mask, I don’t know if they have it or not. I will take my chances on a vaccine. If you have allergies then you have to be prepared with how to handle that issue before you get a shot.

[Queenie504]

You are an idiot plain and simple. Stay away from me.

[Heartnsoul]

Not sure what to think anymore. Most of our neighborhood had covid and we're all advised by their doctors to get the shot

[Ltkor]

I’ve had COVID and also decided to receive the vaccine. It was my choice based on available information and data. I am thrilled to have received both injections.

I’ve encouraged all family members to receive the vaccine as soon as they are eligible and able.

Most decisions in life are a balance between risk and reward. In this case I believe it is in my and my families best interests to receive the vaccine if able to.

Each of us are free to evaluate the risk vs benefit equation and make choices. Don’t get it if you don’t want it. There are a lot of people who do want the limited supply.

[jlo2012]

I had Covid-19 last March and recently gave blood. I still have the antibodies for the virus. Researchers are still learning about this virus and will be learning more for years to come.

[Cheryl Barrios]

Originally Posted by thelegges

Many healthcare workers that I have been involved with over the last 50 years, are taking a step back, and not being vaccinated at this time. Some will say healthcare workers should be forced to be vaccinated. But those in childbearing years, pregnant, or immune compromised, who have worked through this, and are still standing without the vaccine, I applaud them for making their own choices. I won’t want them to find out 30-40 years later, possible complications, like DES, or Agent Orange. Most on this site would never live long enough if there were issues.

Imposing your beliefs, or thoughts, or actions, onto someone, is removing their freedom of living in this country. Even if you think you are right, and they are wrong.

My son works in healthcare (nonclinical). He organized the testing for COVID and the operation of hospital employees at one branch of the system he is in with parts of the system transferred to other branches. At his hospital, all employees throughout the system are required to get the flu vaccine. NONE were required to get the Covid vaccine. It was a choice for all of them from doctors to nurses to custodians. Most did not. These are the first-line caregivers in a hospital system.

[LaurenBala]

Originally Posted by Justus

You might find what you're looking for by researching The Great Barrington Project, performed and published in MA. Also, Dr. Lee Merritt, an eminent physician, is among other physicians who have publicly disagreed. They're out there, but you don't find them in the mainstream media.

Dr. Lee Merritt is an orthopedic surgeon, not a virologist, and she is a part of a group called "American Frontline Doctors" which is a known propaganda machine for Quanon conspiracies. The mainstream media can definitely also be a propoganda machine, but just because someone isn't part of it, that does not automatically make them a reliable source of information.

[kcwhel]

Those who wish to get the vaccine should do so and those who do not should not be forced to do so or be condemned for not getting it. Natural transmission and resistance will determine the outcome.

[MandoMan]

Originally Posted by dhdallas

Myself, my family, my neighbors, and millions of others have already had COVID and are actively (or sometimes called naturally) immune. A person who is now immune cannot get or give the disease. The COVID virus is NOT one of those diseases in which an immune person can be a carrier. Therefore we do not need to get vaccinated or wear a mask. Even if I did not previously have had COVID I would still refuse a vaccine for the reasons that follow.

Many people will argue that active or natural immunity is different from vaccinated immunity. Here is what the CDC says; “Active immunity results when exposure to a disease organism triggers the immune system to produce antibodies to that disease. Exposure to the disease organism can occur through infection with the actual disease (resulting in natural immunity), or introduction of a killed or weakened form of the disease organism through vaccination (vaccine-induced immunity). Either way, if an immune person comes into contact with that disease in the future, their immune system will recognize it and immediately produce the antibodies needed to fight it.”

The WHO (World Health Organization) had this to say. “Vaccines train our immune systems to create proteins that fight disease, known as ‘antibodies’, just as would happen when we are exposed to a disease . Even people without symptoms develop an immune response.”

Who else should consider abstaining from the vaccination? “People with underlying health conditions that weaken their immune systems (such as cancer or HIV) or who have severe allergies to some vaccine components may not be able to get vaccinated.” - WHO

“Vaccines can cause anaphylaxis and other dangerous life-threatening side effects.” - NIH (National Institute of Health)

Example: “The United States stopped giving mandatory smallpox vaccinations 30 years ago. Some people die from it; and others have serious reactions, some permanent. Scientists say it's the most dangerous vaccine known to man.” - CBS News, 60 Minutes

These new COVID vaccines containing genetic instructions were rushed into use with extremely short trial periods. According to the IFPMA, the development of novel vaccines is a long endeavor. “It takes usually between 10 to 15 years to develop a novel vaccine, as well as establishing its quality, safety and efficacy.” states the International Federation of Pharmaceutical Manufacturers & Associations.

The NIH, CDC, Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), and the Department of Defense (DoD) combined to find the vaccine and dubbed the project OWS which stands for “Operation Warp Speed”. - Source/NIH’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases.

So bear in mind when you are being told that this vaccine is safe that this is the same government whose EPA said the air quality at the 9/11 site was safe for the cleanup workers, the DoD who had no qualms conducting LSD experiments on unsuspecting soldiers and said there was no cancer link to Agent Orange, and for-profit drug companies who market drugs in third world countries even though the same drugs have been banned in the U.S. and Europe due to harmful side effects. From 08/30/2017 to 02/03/2021 327 drugs previously approved by the FDA as safe & effective were recalled. This information was obtained from the FDA’s official website.

My final concern is that the COVID vaccines utilize genetic engineering. Messenger RNA vaccines (mRNA) vaccines have strands of genetic material called mRNA - source/CDC

I am NOT an “anti-vaxxer” nor a conspiracy theorist. I have had the DPT, pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine, HBV, and the zoster vaccine. I am susceptible and was routinely exposed to these diseases at my workplace. These vaccines have a proven record and were not rushed into production.

For those who have NOT already had a positive COVID test, I would carefully weigh the pros & cons of a new, relatively untested vaccine developed at “warp speed” (their words not mine) that uses genetic engineering against a virus that is just a nuisance for most people. Before you jump on me for stating it is “just a nuisance for most people” here is another direct quote from the WHO; “Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.” COVID is not on a plane with Ebola, the Plague, Cholera, Malaria, or Yellow Fever. Not even close!

Unfortunately I have found that logical arguments backed by proven science (not “may happen” or “might not be”) fall on deaf ears. It is similar to having an argument over religion. The true believers have blind faith and no person will ever sway their belief no matter how sound the opposing view.

My previously published views on COVID have stirred such animosity that people have gone so far as to wish me “homeless” and that my children “die of cancer”. I have also been called a “quack”, a “know-it-all”, “part of the problem”, a “disgrace”, “brainwashed by Tr_ _p” (of course) and the list goes on and on.

I refuse to be bullied into silence when I see so many people who have been paralyzed with irrational fear and making decisions about their health based on largely one-sided views without fully examining all sides of the issue. Human beings are capable of independent thought and reason. We are not sheep or lemmings.

I am a retired RN, EMT-Paramedic with an ASN degree graduating summa cum laude, a member of 2 national honor societies, with past American Heart Association certifications in Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. I also am a certified coroner after receiving my training at the Pennsylvania State Police Academy and served as the Chief Deputy Coroner for a county in Pennsylvania. I worked during the onset of AIDS/HIV, H1N1, MRSA & Necrotizing Fasciitis (flesh eating bacteria) and never have I seen such a level of misinformation and a bombardment of articles that focus on rare atypical cases and the hypothetical.

I only include this professional background information to distinguish myself from authors with absolutely no background in healthcare whatsoever and who state unproven theories often with no scientific support. I do not claim to be an expert, just experienced. As the actor Walter Brennan was often quoted from an old television show, The Guns of Will Sonnett; “No brag, just fact".

- David H. Dallas, RN-ASN, EMT-P, retired

The CDC is now speculating that immunity after catching the virus starts declining after several months. The flu vaccine is new every year, even though it uses the same methods as in the previous year. I still get one every year.

I got my second Pfizer vaccination this morning at Groveland. What a relief! In a couple weeks I’ll be able to go out to dinner without worry and even go dancing at the square. Next month I can go see my 92 year old father I haven’t been able to see in over a year.

[kendi]

Originally Posted by graciegirl

I have NO background in healthcare. I am skeptical about some of your assumed facts. In the first sentence you say; "Myself, my family, my neighbors, and millions of others have already had COVID and are actively (or sometimes called naturally) immune. "

Your neighbors??? We live in an enclosed village of 54 homes that communicate well and only one couple has had Covid-19 in the year since we became aware of it. There is a lot of communication among friends on Facebook about Covid etc. here in The Villages and I am not aware of a LOT of people anywhere here having Covid, enough to say that we could count on a general group being immune.

I could and can debate and refute several of your other statements...and agree with the fact that some people react to things like a vaccine that had an element that they are extremely allergic to, such as eggs. Most mothers know about anaphylactic shock, and allergic reactions that cause some of us to carry an Epi-pen. ( a shot of epinephrine that people use as a first reaction to a severe allergy. I have not heard of any deaths from the vaccine at all in the last four weeks with over a million people vaccinated in Florida.

I will not try further to change your mind. I think you are afraid.

Afraid, of course. If a person believes the science is flawed or a lie who wouldn’t be afraid of being injected. Nothing wrong with that.

[lisafolker@gmail.com]

Your natural immunity may protect you for a while but not necessarily from the strains and mutations that are occurring out of South Africa and the UK. You have the right to your own opinion and choice about being vaccinated but I don’t think you should be trying to convince others one way or another.

[Serendipatti]

Have you never heard the word "variant?" I don't recall seeing in your post. What about the medical community that is finding cases now where people had Covid-19, recovered, then came down with the UK variant or the South African variant? Some getting seriously ill the second time. Apparently the body doesn't see the regular old virus as being the same as the new variants and has no immunity from the new ones...at least in some people. I also saw recently that the same thing was happening in Brazil, with it's new variant, at an even higher rate than in the US.