Public Losing Interest in COVID

Two days ago, I received the 2025-2026 COVID-19 jab.  While many of us regard this updated injection to be a booster shot, this one is an actually full vaccine.  I received the Pfizer version which uses mRNA technology which – like so many other public health issues – has generated controversy, confusion and even anger.  There have been unfounded claims that mRNA vaccine technology is responsible for serious and enduring complications including death and new or worsening serious disease states.  There is also a belief that mRNA vaccines could induce the COVID-19 virus to mutate to a more virulent strain and could also alter the recipient’s DNA, which has no factual basis.  Keep in mind that this virus, like all germs, mutates regularly. This does not  mean that the vaccine is responsible for this.  If I do a crossword puzzle and catch a cold shortly thereafter, it’s more likely a coincidence than the puzzle causing my illness.  The list of alleged harm from mRNA immunizations is longer than I have included here.

Experts tell us that the reason the initial COVID-19 vaccines reached the public in record time in Operation Warp Speed is because mRNA technology was used.  Wouldn’t we want to rely upon this vaccine template again when the next pandemic strikes?

I was amazed how easy it was for me arrange for this COVID-19 vaccine.  I logged in to a nearby  CVS pharmacy, which offered several available slots the same morning.  An hour later, I checked in at the counter and was the only customer there.  Fifteen minutes later I was in my car headed for home.

This was quite a different scenario compared to when all of us were trying to schedule the original vaccine series during the pandemic, and with some of the early boosters.  Demand was overwhelming and it was very challenging to secure appointment slots.  Many Americans were willing and enthusiastic to drive long distances to gain the vaccine's protection against the virus.

Times have changed.  First, COVID-19 is no longer the threat to us that it was initially, Back then, we were confronted every day on the media with death, dying patients and fear of infection.  We worried there would be a shortage of ventilators and ICU beds. We saw refrigerated trucks serving as morgues. Before one accuses the media of hyping this up, keep in mind that we lost more than a million Americans to the disease.  Meditate on this number for a moment.  Compare this to the deaths of 58,000 American soldiers during the Vietnam war which began in the 1950’s until we withdrew our forces in 1973.

Are folks getting bored with COVID?

As the disease has quieted down with respect to its severity and frequency, public interest in vaccination has waned. The New York Times reported that about 23% of adults have recently received COVID-19 vaccinations. For perspective, this is even lower than the approval rate of congressional Democrats (33%) and congressional Republicans (38%)!

Over the next 2 weekly posts, I will offer some thoughts on why the public has lost interest in the virus and the vaccinations against it, as well as public health leaders' overreach during the pandemic.  Stay tuned!.

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