Wow! A vaccine that’s 95 percent effective! 

What does that really mean? 

Here’s from a Feb. 23 article in The New York Times: “Does the Vaccine Stop Transmission: How to understand the difference between vaccinations to prevent COVID-19 and shots to halt infection: “These COVID-19 vaccines are as much a victory for public health now as the Salk vaccine was then (for polio in 1955). We would do well to remind ourselves of the transformative power of vaccines that prevent disease without completely preventing infection when enough people take the vaccine.”

COVID-19 is the name of the illness. The virus is called SARS-CoV-2. The two vaccines available were authorized for emergency use and only went through testing to see how many recipients developed symptoms of COVID-19. That was 5 percent. 

They did not test recipients who did not get sick to see if they acquired the virus or if anyone vaccinated could transmit it to others.

There is growing concern about a possible fourth COVID-19 wave due to variants and precaution fatigue, and also concern about an increase in deaths due to “care deferral.”

Delaying tests like colonoscopies, mammograms and routine checkups as well as elective surgeries and care for minor symptoms may lead to a wave of cancers, heart disease and more. 

Jefferson Healthcare has proven to be a safe place to get healthcare. Our county has proven to have one of the lowest infection rates in the state. Let’s continue to mask up and avoid crowds. And let’s get the healthcare we need.

Note: This letter does not necessarily represent the opinion of the Board of Health or the Public Hospital District Board on which I serve.

Dr. Kees Kolff
PORT TOWNSEND