A recent survey has shown that about 1/3 of Americans claim that as of now, they do not plan on receiving the COVID-19 vaccine when available to them. A third, according to doctors including Dr. Fauci, is likely enough to stifle herd immunity.
As much as I’d like to, we can’t force people to get the vaccine. We can mandate it for schools, for air travel, for other public sector workers to return ot work. We can’t enforce a blanket requirement however. Even putting aside legality (it likely would be unconstitutional), from a practical standpoint, the juice isn’t worth the squeeze. Imagine the violence that would be incurred just from attempts at enforcement. My mind harkens back to images of Elian Gonzalez being taken from his relative’s arms at gunpoint, to news reports of Ruby Ridge. It’s not worth it, it’s not who we are, or at least, not who we should be.
But if we fail to achieve herd immunity through the sheer ignorance of our fellow citizens, we should not continue our current posture in order to protect them. I believe that after they’ve been given the chance to get the vaccine, if they refuse, then they’re on their own.
I believe that, after an adequate period of time has passed in which supply meets demand, and the general public has had ample opportunity to get the vaccine, we must lift ALL restrictions regardless of whether or not we’ve achieved herd immunity via inocculating 75%+. This means no masks, no physical distancing, and especially, no more capacity restrictions at restaurants, sporting events, concerts. Such venues should if they so choose, enforce vaccination proof as a condition of entry for a while, should the pandemic continue due to lack of vaccination by choice. Let people live with their choice. Likewise, for the few who will, let them die with it too.
This way of life can not go on. Eventually, it will start killing more people than the virus. We should not accomodate people who’ve decided to rely on YouTube conspiracy videos and Facebook groups rather than look at the reality around them. I say get your shot(s), but if you don’t, you’re on your own.
