COVID Vaccine Questions... Who’s Got The Answers?

To be vaccinated or not vaccinated, that is the question. There are lots of questions surrounding this issue. Now, who has the right answer(s)? Is there a right answer? Who are we listening to? There are conversations, conspiracy theories, information and misinformation. One would think America would have gotten this right by now. As Americans and specifically as Black Americans many are asking, what are we to do? With more questions than answers, one of the bigger questions in our community is, can we trust the vaccine? Is there enough information being given for us to make an informed decision? One truth is, we really don’t know who to trust. As Black Americans, this nation has not proven to care about us in many ways. So, it seems many in black and brown communities are making decisions based on emotions, and that may not work for all, as it has proven to fail many.

The vaccine has become a big deal beyond health measures. It has taken on a stance that could be considered a new form of segregation, driving wedges between all of us, even in our own homes and among our co-workers and friends. This one decision is costing many their livelihoods through job security. It is slowly becoming the “Jab vs Job” for many in the workforce. In addition to that, the idea of vaccine passports has us experiencing travel restrictions, as well as event and outing restrictions in parts of our nation. Mandates are slowly infringing upon freedoms right before our eyes. We equally must be careful and watch our mouths, it seems our freedom of speech lacks freedom as it relates to the topic of vaccines. It’s just a lot and still too many questions without solid answers. And are we asking ourselves the right questions? How are we taking care of ourselves? Where are the health recommendations as it relates to our diets, nutrition, supplements and exercise? How do our health regiments play a role during this world health crisis?

I am Tonya Morman, a writer and mother of two. I am not for or against anyone who has chosen to be vaccinated or has chosen not to be. I am making decisions for myself with the information that I have, trust and that I can understand. It seems that is what we all are doing. It equally seems that we are all still unsure. Beyond conversations, I have conducted a personal vaccine poll among friends willing to answer questions on the vaccine with the knowledge that I would be writing this article. I wanted to gain a sense of where we stood at least within my community circles. It was a simple poll with a few simple questions; Name, age, children, vaccinated or not vaccinated, opinion on mandates, and where do we see the conversation on this health crisis twenty years from now. Here’s what some of us in the community had to say on the topic…

NaTalia “Ameenah” McLeod is a 32-year-old wife and mother of two, who is currently unemployed due to lack of childcare as a result of Covid. She is currently unvaccinated but continues to research facts on the vaccine daily in an effort to make an informed decision. She states that, “Initially I was unvaccinated because I was on the fence, but after learning that I could still contract and transmit the virus with the vaccine; as well as being aware that the current vaccine is made for a specific strain (not the new mutation), I have decided at this time, to abstain from the vaccine.” As far as vaccine mandates are concerned, she states, “I recognize that there are advantages to mass vaccinations. I support a person’s decision to make an informed decision in regard to their health.” She disagrees with persons being publicly shamed for their choice to be vaccinated or not and holds an open mind and heart for those who choose vaccinations in the best interest of their families and others. As for future conversations on this health crisis, she said, “I can imagine in 20 years conversations around this current pandemic will mostly be about us as humans learning more about respect, collective responsibility, and how fallible we are as humans. It is my hope that we are growing through this ordeal and not just going through it.”

Nathan James Bryant is a father of two and the owner of a Non-Emergency Transportation company and has two Taxi Cabs. He has chosen not to be vaccinated and said, “the vac mandates are against the Law, and they HAVE NO PROOF being vaccinated help anyways.” As for his thoughts on future conversations on this topic, he said, “twenty years from now people will be talking about how SOME people FROM BOTH PARTIES tried to DESTROY people's D.N.A and it KILLED THOUSANDS all around the world and THANK GOD THEM PEOPLE GOT CAUGHT AND PAID THE price for it.”

Bridget Parker Richardson is a 43-year-old, wife and mother of three who is fully vaccinated. Asked why she chose to be vaccinated, she says, “1. Because I'm a teacher and I am around a lot of people each day. 2. I want a better chance to survive Covid if I were to get it. Unsure of how she feels about mandates, she says, Parents choose not to get their children vaccinated all the time, so I guess with this people should get a choice. However, I would HOPE that the people who CAN get it choose to get it because it would be for the well-being of everyone if they did.” On the future conversations of our current pandemic, she states, “Although I think we will remember the seriousness of the pandemic, I think people will choose the parts that didn't make them sad and seem so serious; For example: running out of toilet paper and how people just refused to wear masks. However, I think news outlets will focus on the serious parts and play in the number statistics of it all.”

Marlon F. Mitchell is a 49-year-old father of two, who is employed full-time and not vaccinated. He simply states, “The rush and mandate triggered my instinctual skepticism.” As for his thoughts on the future conversations surrounding Covid, he says,

“The twenty-year conversation will be centered around did we actually learn from the mistakes we were making globally?”

Adalia Ellis is a 46-year-old, wife and mother of one. She is a local business owner who is fully vaccinated. As for her choice to be vaccinated, she says, “I wanted to do my part to keep the most vulnerable amongst us safe and to protect my own health.” On the topic of mandates, she states, “They are critical to me keeping my business open and to protecting my 8-year-old who is unvaccinated.” She had much to say as it relates to what future conversations of our current pandemic would entail, and says, “I think there will be regret that people didn't do more to protect themselves and others, giving in to conspiracy theories. Normal was a racist system that many white people could blissfully ignore. Normal was a critically deficient education and healthcare system. Normal was people working full time with no benefits and no living wage. Normal sucked for so many people.” Her wish is that communities of color would collectively get behind the vaccine to protect ourselves and our future.

To be vaccinated or unvaccinated is still the question. Mandated or not, we all have a choice to make. The one truth that we cannot argue in regard to being vaccinated is that we will have to live with the decision that we have made or maybe die with it.