Please get yourself vaccinated for covid-19

To The Eagle:

We are now over a year into the Covid 19 pandemic. In the early days of the pandemic, we could only prevent infection by masks, washing hands and surfaces and distancing from others. These measures helped but were not extremely effective. We now have vaccines and they have been safe and effective and have the potential to eventually end the pandemic. Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are 90 percent plus effective at preventing disease. The vaccines are safe. The side effects are mild in most cases and are much safer than getting Covid 19.

Some have been concerned about the rapidity with which the vaccine was produced and whether they are safe. The technology used for the vaccine has been around for years. It has been used for cancer treatment. In addition, they have been safe since we have started vaccination.

Vaccination over the years has controlled many diseases. We no longer have small pox due to vaccination. When l started in medicine we saw many children with meningitis. Due to vaccines, we very infrequently see meningitis. If we can get people to take the Covid 19 vaccine, we can develop herd immunity and make this pandemic a thing of the past. Please get yourself vaccinated as soon as you can, it helps us return to a normal life.

Richard Avalon DO

Renton