VACCINES: The route to health

A heartfelt thanks to the scientists and pharmaceutical companies that have developed the numerous COVID-19 vaccines. Thanks also to the Trump administration for implementing Operation Warp Speed in getting these vaccines tested and ready for use. Lastly, thanks to the Biden White House for continuing to promote the administration of these vaccines in fighting the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.

The benefit of being vaccinated is three-fold and any discussion needs to include all three.

One, obviously it can protect the vaccinated from becoming infected and sick. Two, they prevent the spread of the virus to others. This benefit is particularly important for individuals that cannot receive the vaccine and is dependent on the number of vaccinated citizens. Three, high levels of vaccinated individuals prevent the development of variants of the virus. This benefit is usually overlooked but is probably the most important.

Every time a virus is replicated, there is the possibility that spontaneous mutations are introduced into its genetic material. If a mutation occurs at a place in the genome of the virus that causes it to be resistant to the vaccine, then a new vaccine would have to be developed and vaccinating the public would have to begin again.

When most of a population is vaccinated, the replication of the virus is greatly reduced, thereby minimizing the possibility of mutations and consequently the development of new variants. Our path out of this pandemic is the responsible use of these vaccines. This should not be a political issue.

MICHAEL McCORMACK

Coeur d’Alene