Usurping the US election news (thank you thank you thank you 🙏🙏🙏👴🏻) is the latest news of a Covid-19 vaccine; an apparently successful vaccine.
In terms of timing and according to previous reports, a vaccine usually takes years to develop, test and have approved.
So whilst the market shares have shot ⬆️⬆️⬆️ I’m somewhat sceptical, especially as it comes from a pharmaceutical company of a particular name.
Conspiracy theories aside, and I am a bit of a theorist myself, I am not that enthralled by the news. These companies are all about making money and being the ‘first’ to find a successful vaccine is going to make them a whole ton of money (I was going to resort to my South African roots and say shitload of money but that would be rude 😝😝).
Meanwhile time will tell if it is indeed that effective.
My question is this: would you have the vaccine?
Personally, I had a flu vaccine in my first year in the UK and it made me horribly ill for nearly 2 weeks. I have since declined any further flu vaccines. So for me it’s a no.
Now, I know this virus is not a flu, or a type of flu and is something quite out of the ordinary, and in general I believe in being vaccinated against diseases…..as children in South Africa we were all vaccinated as a matter of course, my daughter had all her vaccinations in the 80s and 90s and my grandson (born in the UK) has so far had all his required vaccinations.
However, these are all long-term, tried and tested vaccines and despite the ‘conspiracy theories’ 😉😉 on the whole are very successful.
But I worry that the competition to be first to produce a vaccine for Covid-19 is more about the money than any form of altruism or care for the wellbeing of humanity.
The next question is: who do they vaccinate first? My thoughts are that it should first be provided to the 30-60 age group (I’m 65). But I’m sure everyone has a different opinion on that…out of 65 million people if they’re (the UK government) buying just 10 million by Christmas, who is going to benefit? If it is indeed a benefit? 10.11.20 *correction – its 100 million vaccines the government are ordering *.
Supply it for free, and then we can look at it from a different aspect. These pharmaceutical companies are mega-wealthy, growing obscenely rich on the unwellness of their target audiences, they can absolutely afford to provide the vaccine for free for the benefit of humanity….
Not Just a Granny 
I have had one flu shot and was so sick I thought I was going to die. I have not taken another flu shot and won’t. No, I will not take the Covid-19 shot. I would have to see some long term tried and true results then I would still most likely not take it.
Yes, I feel exactly the same, for the same reason. I may well be forced to have the vaccine due to the nature of my job, but I suspect I’ll just find another type of job…
I hope it does not come down to you or any of us being forced to have the vaccine.
Unfortunately I think we are going to be forced to have it in order to continue in society. I was watching one of our regular chat shows this morning and already the views are hugely divisive, with many people saying “if you don’t have the vaccine, you should stay in lockdown “. My argument is….if the vaccine is that effective, and the people who have it are protected, then why would those who don’t have the vaccine not allowed out in public. If we’ve chosen to take the risk, that’s our choice.
There are some things I just am not comfortable with the government making choices for me. I agree if people who choose to take the vaccine and it is effective, then what sense does it make for those who choose not to take it to not be allowed in public.
Exactly….
I’m with you on this one. Not a chance in hell that I’d take a vaccine that’s been rushed through development. I’m extremely sensitive to different foods and other drugs so taking a chance on something like this is just not something I’m up for.
Even the main vaccines that have been around for years can still cause major illness and even death in some people. It’s just an accepted risk for the betterment of the masses. And one that, for the most part, I agree with.
This COVID virus reaks of bullshit on every level. It’s been so politicised from the start and governments around the world have way overstepped their bounds. With that in mind, I’m very dubious about any vaccine that comes out. Wouldn’t surprise me if the whole thing is designed for a money and power making scam (just to add to the conspiracy fire).
😉 but yes, I agree. I’m totally dubious about the vaccine, especially because of its origin…
Coming back to this, I must just clarify that I know the virus is real; both a friend of mine and a work colleague have had, and fortunately recovered from, the virus. But I do agree that our governments have overstepped many boundaries and essentially made us captives in our own homes.
Agreed.
Great thoughts indeed. I don’t even have taking the vaccine on my mind but I’d say 30 – 60 may be quite young seeing how it affects the elderly.
I think the initial target should be much older, maybe even 80s.
Hello Eromonsele, thanks for dropping by. My thoughts are I’m sure quite controversial and I’m certain I would have many people disagreeing with me. My reason for suggesting 30-60 is because they on the whole are still active and likely to be working and therefore able to keep the economy going. Except for the VERY rare exception, people over 80 are not. It may seem harsh but looking forward to the future, which group is going to be most beneficial for the economy and the future. We’ve since seen a huge rise of infections in the younger age groups. After that group of 30-60 I’d vaccinate the 18-30 age groups, again for the same reason. We know now that the younger group is less likely to get the virus, so they could be next. The over 80s are mostly restricted to their homes or in a care home and can be shielded. I’m not saying it’s the easiest decision, but big decisions never are. My feeling is that the group’s that can contribute the most to the future should get priority. Its the same for instance when they talk about sending people to populate Mars (for example). They’re not going to send the old and infirm, they’re going to send the most healthy, the strongest and the people most likely to provide the biggest contribution for the future. I’m not saying the over 80s are not important or worth saving, however when you have difficult decisions to make, you have to make the most logical and leave emotions at the door. The time-scale by all accounts wouldn’t be that great, perhaps a few months to a year, but if there’s a choice between vaccinating a young person of say 30 with possibly another 40 years of active contribution ahead of them, as opposed to someone who has maybe another 5-10 years…if that. In situations like this governments need to apply logic and not emotion. I’m sure my thoughts will not be popular 😉 Personally, I’d rather my son-in-law who is 22 years younger than me or my daughter who is 25 years younger than me, got the vaccine before me. I’m 65, my biblical age of 3 score and 10 expires in 5 years time, whereas they still have decades ahead of them. Why would I expect to get the vaccine before they do. To my mind, that would be incredibly selfish. Especially now that we know younger people are contracting the virus. Of course I hope to live longer than 70 😉, but not at the cost of their future.
Like I said….controversial and likely to upset and even anger a lot of people, but then controversial thoughts usually do. I guess we can be glad I’m not in government
Using this logic, I totally agree with you. While everyone’s health is important is also super important to keep the economy thriving.
These are strange times.