Misinformation swirls around vaccinations, especially the new COVID-19 vaccines. Ironically, some of it comes from a Russian-generated, intentional campaign, The Politico reported. Some fear comes from cruel racists who misused Black Americans as guinea pigs in another era. Part comes from the speed this vaccine made its way through the traditional, lengthy steps. But if we want to stop the coronavirus pandemic, vaccines are the only escape hatch.
We have been flying around in a bubble that has grown uncomfortably tight, tethered to our homes. We miss those close to us, but not enough to risk their lives due to a terrible disease. At least, we hope:
‘There is a lot of disinformation out there, but here’s the truth: You should get a COVID vaccine as soon as it’s available to you. It could save your life—or a loved one’s.’
President Barack Obama shared a tweet urging that Americans get the vaccine and addressed all the wrong-headed information running rampant. Sixty National Academy of Medicine members encouraged Black Americans to get vaccinated. The New York Times reported:
‘We feel compelled to make the case that all Black Americans should get vaccinated to protect themselves from a pandemic that has disproportionately killed them at a rate 1.5 times as high as white Americans in cases in which race is known — a rate that is most likely very conservative.’
Presidents George W. Bush and Bill Clinton have also joined President Obama in this cause. They took theirs publicly. Black physicians have also been doing so in public, as well as famous Black Americans:
‘[W]e believe this moment requires leaders to stand up and lead: to help save our people and nation, to protect Black Americans and all Americans, and to break the stranglehold Covid-19 has had on our country.’
To assuage some of the people’s fears, the health professionals pointed to the trials “across a diverse group of Americans:”
‘[W]e know that the trials were conducted across a diverse group of Americans from all backgrounds — Black, Native American, White, Hispanic, Asian and men and women. While we understand why there might be hesitancy about getting vaccinated, we need to weigh the risks of taking the vaccine versus being infected by the virus and the potential of health problems, hospitalization, even death.’
Twitter world went crazy when they saw President Obama’s tweet. Check out some of our favorite responses below:
NEW AD: Senate Repubs say it’s “too late” to convict Trump — @RepRaskin makes a brilliant argument knocking that out of the ballpark! We put it in this ad!
Every Senator should hear Raskin’s words & every Dem should repeat them! pic.twitter.com/o4EXrxwQHK
— Let’s help Biden heal our Nation (@WarnockWarrior) February 9, 2021
Barack Obama out here saving lives.
Best President ever pic.twitter.com/juBeK6Zt5U
— Chrissi Nielsen (@NielsenChrissi) February 9, 2021
The Mueller Report Adventures: In Bite-Sizes on this Facebook page. These quick, two-minute reads interpret the report in normal English for busy people. Mueller Bite-Sizes uncovers what is essentially a compelling spy mystery. Interestingly enough, Mueller Bite-Sizes can be read in any order.
