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Two of my friends, who live abroad, recently traveled to the U.S. for a very particular reason—not to visit Disneyland, but to receive the COVID-19 vaccine.
In the United States, we have an abundance of vaccine doses, so much so that international travelers are directed to vaccination sites prior to even clearing customs. It’s like a giveaway: “You get a vaccine! And you get a vaccine!”
Both friends, who prefer to remain nameless, planned their trip after hearing from others who had done the same. But why would anyone spend hundreds of dollars to come to the U.S. just for a vaccine? The answer is simple: in their home countries, they won’t be eligible for vaccination for months. In many low-income nations, only 1% of the population has received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. By contrast, about 55% of Americans have received at least one dose, although there is enough supply for everyone who wants one. One friend mentioned that her government projected she wouldn’t be eligible until March 2022.
The Geographic Privilege Americans Overlook
My friend has a young child with a compromised immune system due to a previous cancer battle. Despite her fear of contracting COVID-19 and bringing it back home, she has no choice but to work outside. She shared harrowing accounts of hospitals in her country running out of oxygen and losing multiple COVID-19 patients in a single night, waiting in vain for oxygen shipments. For her, the decision to travel and get vaccinated was a financial sacrifice she deemed necessary, and she recognizes that this ability itself is a privilege.
The Disturbing Arrogance of Vaccine Refusal
Both friends are baffled by the vaccine hesitancy prevalent among many Americans. They can’t fathom why people who enjoy such privileges would refuse to get vaccinated. I often feel embarrassed to explain that some of the most vocal proponents of American pride are also the most resistant to vaccination. The privilege embedded in this refusal is often overlooked. Despite legitimate complaints about healthcare costs, most Americans trust that they will receive care if they fall ill. This assurance is not a reality for many in other countries, where the healthcare infrastructure is far less robust.
The Privilege of Health and Financial Security
There’s also a certain privilege in being healthy. Many skeptics assume, “I’ll be fine if I contract the virus.” This overlooks the fact that their choice to remain unvaccinated could endanger those with weaker immune systems. It is arrogant to make such choices without considering the potential dire consequences for others.
Additionally, the financial security that allows some to take time off work to recover from a severe illness is another form of privilege. For many, taking a few weeks off simply isn’t an option, making vaccination crucial for their livelihood.
The Impact of Vaccine Refusals on Herd Immunity
Refusing vaccination undermines our efforts to achieve herd immunity and allows the virus to continue spreading and mutating. The decision to vaccinate should be guided by science and our collective responsibility. The science confirms that vaccines are safe and effective, while statistics show that the risks of vaccine reactions are significantly lower than the risks associated with COVID-19 itself.
It’s essential to consider our fellow citizens and do what we can to curb the spread of this virus. It’s disheartening to see Americans who are so absorbed in their beliefs that they ignore expert guidance and the desperate pleas of those in countries where vaccines are scarce.
Conclusion
We must recognize the immense privilege that comes with living in a country where vaccines are readily available and understand our responsibility to protect not only ourselves but also those around us.
For more insights on related topics, check out this other blog post, and for those considering artificial insemination, Make a Mom offers great resources. Additionally, ACOG provides excellent information on treating infertility.
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