First Responders
Dear Editor: I want to say a big thank you to all our first responders. We hear sirens more often than we would like and know they are on their way to help yet another person. Many of us know that from personal experience. My hope is more people will join their club. I’m sure they would be glad to have you.
Alice Wolcott, Sitka
Vaccine Approval
Dear Editor: After receiving the good news last Monday regarding the full approval of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, I definitely see an important obstacle being removed.
To those who are skeptical and “prove it” challengers, I believe we have enough information that are based on scientific research methods of clinical trials that validate the efficacy of the vaccine with documented possible side effects/adverse events. Millions of people have already received the vaccine, which brings more data on effectiveness and safety.
Please keep in mind the following:
1) The vaccine is 95% not 100% effective, meaning there will still be a small % of vaccinated people who might get infected.
2) Mandating the vaccine in certain businesses does not compromise our privileged liberty. For example; Hepatitis B vaccine is mandatory for all health care workers.
3) In general, viruses like cold weather, so it is the perfect time for non-vaccinated people to go for it. Having 80% of Sitkans fully vaccinated would be a great goal to achieve what is known as herd immunity (immunity gained by those unvaccinated as a result of the vaccinated majority being out of transmission cycle).
4) The battle with COVID-19 virus may not end soon or at all, as experts suggest. Mutation, which is permanent change in the virus genetic makeup, may introduce new strains, such as Delta variant, and we may hear in the near future of new recommendations to re-vaccinate against the newly mutated virus, as is the case with the annual flu shot.
We are grateful for the efforts put forth by the city, SEARHC, and schools to keep everyone safe.
Paul Bahna, Sitka
