Disclaimer: The purpose of this post is not to spread any conspiracy theories, although it might be laced with a little dose of such (pun intended). I will only be attempting to share some of my contemplations –more like unanswered questions– surrounding COVID vaccines, which are increasingly gaining popularity with time. I’m also interested in getting your opinions on the topic, so feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section:)

Booster Shots

So I recently stumbled on some news report that stated that American citizens who were said to be “fully vaccinated” would need to take another vaccine shot known as “booster shot” in the coming months. Technically, those who are currently “fully vaccinated” will no longer be fully vaccinated without this additional shot.

What is even more interesting is the rationale behind this new development. They claim that anyone who has completed the two-dose vaccine course is still considered fully vaccinated with “a high degree of protection against the worst outcomes of COVID-19”. But they also say that there is a possibility of potential COVID-19 deaths in the future if vaccine-induced protection wanes. So the idea of giving booster shots is their own way of “staying one step ahead of the virus”.

This interesting turn of events only adds to my already growing skepticism as regards the virus and all that comes with it. I have so many unanswered questions on the topic, but in today’s discussion, we’ll stick to just the vaccines.

I’m not so much about their efficiency in terms of dealing with the COVID-19 virus. I’m not medically inclined enough to analyze that, and I also believe they wouldn’t be introduced to the public without strong medical backing. But my concern in the matter is the approach taken in its distribution and application.

Let The Sleeping Dog Lie

Okay, I know I said I wasn’t gonna talk about the medical aspect of the vaccines, but let’s consider the side effects for a moment. Isn’t it weird that the side effects that come with taking the vaccine —tiredness, headache, nausea, etc.— are very similar to the symptoms of actually having the virus?

I had a discussion on this topic with a group of friends, some of which are medical students, and I was told that the vaccines work by introducing a little dose of the causative organisms (antigens) of the disease into the body to stimulate the immune system to be able to combat it in the future.

Now my question is, why trigger the immune system at all? Why initiate an immune response that would otherwise have happened naturally if at all I contacted the virus? Or better still, there might not be any need for an immune response if I stayed safe. The fact that the side effects of the virus are in varying degrees makes it even less fancy to take the vaccine.

I understand that the idea of getting vaccinated is to allow for public gatherings without restrictions and eliminate the need for masks and other safety precautions. But to achieve this, there ought to be 100% vaccination. From the current statistics, and the new data that shows the temporary efficiency of the vaccines, this approach seems quite flawed.

One Enemy, Too Many Soldiers

Another thing I don’t seem to understand about the covid vaccines is the variety of options in the market with different zones administering different vaccines to their citizens.

According to Wikipedia, there are about 20 authorized vaccines at the moment, with about 330 others in various stages of testing. In America, Pfizer, Moderna, and Janssen are more prominent, and over here in Russia, we’ve got Sputnik V and Sputnik Light — apparently, there’s a “light” version of the Sputnik vaccine.

My questions here are as follows. If some vaccines have proven efficient in dealing with the virus, why not just produce and distribute those ones globally for the good of everybody? Why do we need to test 330 others? Why are some approved in some countries over others? Or is Covid-19 also one of those issues with a political twist to it? I thought we were combating a common enemy? Or is our supposed “enemy” only but a tool to implement other agendas?

Compulsory, But Not Compulsory

Since the introduction of vaccines, vaccination has gradually become a requirement for several things. Some universities in my city claim that without proof of vaccination, it is impossible to get a space in the school’s dormitories. And in a particular job interview I attended, the first thing they wanted to know before proceeding with the interview questions was if I was vaccinated or not. I told them I wasn’t, and they told me we couldn’t go further until I was vaccinated.

There’s no doubt that it will soon become a primary requirement for several procedures, such as international travel and the likes. However, it seems to be happening faster than I anticipated. Soon enough, not taking the vaccines will leave one at a disadvantage in society.

To Vaccinate Or Not To Vaccinate?

That is up to you to decide. I’m actually not against taking the vaccine, but I’m also not too enthusiastic about it. As you must have figured by now, I’m yet to take the vaccine and left to me, I’d rather do without it. But if it becomes a necessity to any of my pursuits, I don’t have a problem getting it.

I’d love to know your take on Covid vaccines and Covid-19 in general. Feel free to engage in the comment section:)