As this pandemic continues to ravage our country, I continue to ask myself what is holding the anti-vaxxers back from protecting themselves, their loved ones, and those they encounter? 

Is it mistrust of the vaccine and our government, concerns about possible long term effects of the vaccine, mistrust of media coverage, trusting spin doctors over medical experts? 

I just don’t get it! COVID isn’t a new virus and the vaccine isn’t a medicine that was just developed in the last few years. If an anti-vaxxer really wants to know the facts about COVID and the vaccine they can access the information and educate themselves through medical and scientific research. 

If they mistrust our government and the vaccine then I ask, “Why trust the mass produced food they consume, the cars they drive, the planes they fly on, the medicines they take, the medical experts they seek when sick?” Our government regulates consumer products and implements safety measures for the greater good, public safety, and public health of its citizens. 

The obstinate behavior of anti-vaxxers comes down to “Nobody’s going to tell me what to do because I have rights and a lack of concern for public safety!” 

Val Goularte
CHIMACUM