Why Vaccination Can Help in the Fight Against the Novel Coronavirus

“This article originates in North America and specifically addresses the Pfizer/BioNtech and Moderna vaccines which are mRNA-technology-based vaccines. The scientific commentary cited is based on the research on these two vaccines. There are other effective vaccinees being used in other parts of the world and their quality and safety are not addressed in this piece.”–Editors

With a COVID-19 vaccine beginning to become available, many are deciding if and when they will be interested in taking it themselves. 

As the world watched an extraordinarily rapid development process paired with political dialogue on the topic, some Americans and others have drawn their own conclusions that contribute to hesitancy or even rejection of the vaccine. However, experts in vaccine safety who have studied the new COVID-19 vaccines find that they are safe and effective, meaning we may finally have a crucial tool to mitigate this pandemic — unless people don’t use it.

Adding to the danger of vaccine hesitancy is the speed at which misinformation and non-evidence-based data can spread, due to their ability to stoke fear and shape opinions not based on fact or science. As part of the research and approval process, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) must adhere to multiple levels of regulations and safety measures while providing transparent and publicly available evidence outlining the findings of research studies that illustrate the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness.

“We trust the FDA and CDC to guide us on the authorization or approval and recommendations for the vaccines, such as how to administer them, who is the right target, and other details,” Jeffrey Kuhlman, chief quality and safety officer for AdventHealth, said. “The information available suggests the first set of vaccines available are the safest and most effective in vaccine development history. Unlike measles or historic polio, which were live viruses, the modern vaccines stimulate the body’s natural immune system with inactive RNA [ribonucleic acid] mimicking the virus.”

After a vaccine has been rigorously approved as safe and effective, a phased rollout commences that helps ensure an equitable prioritization based on the exposure risk and vulnerability of various populations. 

In the first phase, high-risk health-care workers and first responders will have access to the vaccine, helping protect those who have served on the front lines to care for their communities. From there, the vaccine will become available to those with comorbid and underlying conditions that put them at significantly higher risk, along with older adults living in congregate or overcrowded settings. Phase 2 and subsequent phases prioritize populations based on certain high-risk job functions and living arrangements, along with the remainder of older adults not included in phase 1.

Through unparalleled collaboration between health care, governmental agencies, the business community, and many thousands of Americans who volunteered as study participants, the advent of a COVID-19 vaccine marks a major milestone in humanity’s ability to ward off this virus and begin a path to recovery and healing. Where the pandemic goes from here is the responsibility of each individual.

Angeline Brauer, health ministries director for the North American Division of Seventh-day Adventists, has shared the church’s view on vaccination. “The Seventh-day Adventist Church strongly encourages that we care for the well-being of individuals in our families, churches, and communities. We have scientific evidence that vaccines have protected individuals and populations’ health and safety, so as a church, we support responsible vaccination. As stated in the guidance regarding immunizations, the worldwide Adventist Church body also supports freedom of conscience and respect for individual choices regarding vaccinations,” she said.

The Bible says that human bodies are the Lord’s temple, and they are tasked with protecting them. It also says, Love your neighbors as yourself. During the coronavirus pandemic, both of these responsibilities mean doing all we can to protect ourselves and others from COVID-19.

The original version of this commentary was posted on Southern Tidings.