How are vaccinations like a driver's license?
Every state has laws that require those entitled to drive to first get a license. Why? To protect other licensed drivers (who know the rules of the road), pedestrians and property owners.
It wasn't always this way. When cars first began to replace horses, licenses were not required. Then, as the number of people driving cars increased, accidents began to occur. The problem was solved when states passed laws requiring those driving cars to pass a driving test and a written test about such things as right-of-way at intersections and speed limits in school zones.
Today we drive without worrying. We know that if we and other drivers follow the rules of the road we will be safe. We also know we are protected if we have an accident because we have insurance.
Let's apply that same reasoning to the covid pandemic. Before covid, we could leave our homes and go out in public with no worries. Then, as with driving, as the number of people with covid rose, the danger increased. Initially, our only protection was to wear a mask and social distance. Then, when vaccines were approved, we signed up -- much as we didn't hesitate to buy car insurance. We were confident that if we were vaccinated, wore a mask and social distanced, we could return to in-person shopping, eating out and having family gatherings.
BUT! Almost one-third of the population is unvaccinated and, as with driving where we don't know who is unlicensed or uninsured, we don't know who they are. If we had that percentage of unlicensed drivers, I would be afraid to drive. Fortunately, I live in a state where you can't buy a car without insurance and you can be ticketed for driving without a license.
I will use driving to explain why I am upset at those not being vaccinated. If you fail to get a license showing you are a competent driver who knows the rules of the road and you don't have insurance, you are endangering me, and costing me money because I have to pay for something called "uninsured motorist." This covers me if I have an accident with you even though I have a 20-year safe driving record and you have a DUI. Similarly, if you have the virus, and go out in public (especially without a mask), you are endangering everyone you come in contact with, and threatening my bowl game trip.
Additionally, if you are not vaccinated, your odds of getting the virus and being hospitalized go way up. Further, if you don't have insurance, my insurance cost goes up. My being upset with you doesn't end there. I may be unable to get a long-scheduled knee surgery because you and others like you have filled all the beds.
I'll bet if you had to pay higher insurance costs or full cost if admitted without insurance you would get vaccinated.
If this is a false analogy, I'm sure I will hear from people. In the interim, get the shot!
Jim Hammons
Fayetteville