PANDEMIC: Skeptical of hysteria

In regard to the spirited “discussions” about the COVID-19 vaccinations, I humbly offer these thoughts (Note — I am NOT an “anti-vaxxer,” as I intend to get the normal flu shot soon and have recently been vaccinated for another disease).

I’m not against the idea of vaccination, as such; I recently got my first of two shingles vaccinations. I AM suspect of this particular SARS/COVID vaccination because it was put out so quickly under an “Emergency” authorization, then later and more recently a “normal” or general authorization, after millions of people worldwide had the vaccination.

You think the government is going to say, “We’re not going to approve the vaccine under a general authorization because it has some unforeseen side effects in some people?” That is contrary to human nature, if not political reality. Besides, with the concurrent advertising of attorneys for people seeking damages for ill side effects of “normally” approved drugs (“You may be entitled to compensation”), although that appeals to the “entitlement” minded folks, does not spark a lot of confidence in the drug approval process, any more than the debacle with Boeings 737 Max aircraft approval did for air travel in general, and Boeing in particular.

If for no other reason, consider the amount of money being spent on the purchase of the COVID-19 vaccine, and, oh yes, the “booster” vaccinations? Consider the AP news item on page A12 of the Post Falls Press last Sunday: “COVID-19 vaccine boosters could mean billions for drugmakers.”

THAT is just one reason why I am suspicious of the rising hysteria over this particular “pandemic.”

WILLIAM RIDGLEY

Post Falls