Why Skepticism Surrounds the COVID Vaccines

Vaccine hesitancy is a complex and multifaceted issue that has garnered significant attention since the onset of the 2019-2020 pandemic. Often, accusations of being 'vaccine hesitant' are made without clear definition, reducing meaningful dialogue to mere labels.

Understanding Vaccine Hesitancy

Those described as vaccine hesitant may believe they need to be convinced to vaccinate. Conversely, those who choose not to vaccinate may view others as 'vaccine risk takers.' The truth is, the COVID vaccine technology is novel and comes with uncertainties. The long-term consequences of this new technology have yet to be fully understood, especially for individuals over 70, such as me. My decision to remain unvaccinated stems not from hesitancy, but from an assessment of personal risk based on scientific understanding.

The Nature of the Virus

COVID-19 is not inherently more dangerous than a common cold or mild flu. The perceived danger often arises from misinformation and fear. The virus primarily targets individuals with a high number of A-type receptors, such as those who are obese or have hypertension. Children, with the exception of some health conditions, are generally at low risk.

Personal Choice and Research

My decision to remain unvaccinated is grounded in a thorough understanding of the virus and its variants. Unlike many, my stand is not one of hesitation but of informed choice. I am 71 years old and anticipate living another 20 years, during which time we will still be learning about the long-term effects of the vaccine. To ensure a comprehensive analysis of these effects, I have enrolled in a long-term study, comparing non-vaccinated and vaccinated individuals over the coming decades.

The Role of Antivax Activists

Before the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 a pandemic, antivax propaganda began to saturate social media, orchestrating misinformation. This has been a concerted effort by antivax activists and charlatans, with roots dating back to smallpox vaccination in 1796. With over two centuries of experience, these individuals have mastered the art of spreading misinformation, targeting those most susceptible to fear and misinformation.

Psychological Manipulation and Misinformation

Antivax activists use psychological manipulation to shift people's fear of disease into fear of vaccines. They selectively interpret scientific research, often distorting or outright lying about the findings. This is combined with a sprinkle of truth to make their claims more credible. Understanding scientific concepts is often challenging for the general public, allowing these activists to exploit this gap in knowledge.

Conclusion

While vaccine hesitancy exists, it is often mislabeled and misunderstood. In my case, the decision not to vaccinate is based on a thorough analysis of the virus and a willingness to participate in long-term research. The persistence of antivax rhetoric and misinformation must be confronted with accurate information and support for informed decision-making.

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