Two acquaintances of mine living abroad recently made the journey to the U.S. with one primary goal in mind — to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. Their trip wasn’t about visiting amusement parks or tourist attractions; it was driven by the urgent need for vaccination.
In the United States, vaccine doses are so plentiful that travelers are directed to vaccination sites even before they clear customs. It’s a remarkable situation: “You get a vaccine! And you get a vaccine!”
My friends, who wished to remain anonymous, planned their trip based on recommendations from others who had done the same. But why would they invest hundreds of dollars to get vaccinated in the U.S. instead of waiting in their own countries? The answer is straightforward: in their home countries, they face several months of waiting before they’ll be eligible for the vaccine. In many low-income nations, merely 1% of the population has received at least one dose, while in the U.S., about 55% have been vaccinated, with ample supply for all.
One friend, who traveled in early June, indicated that her government estimated she wouldn’t be eligible for the vaccine until March 2022.
Understanding Geographical Privilege
My friend has a young child with a compromised immune system due to a recent battle with cancer. She must work outside the home but lives in constant fear of bringing COVID-19 home. Her country’s healthcare system is less advanced, with reports of hospitals running out of oxygen while patients suffer. For her, receiving the vaccine was worth the significant financial investment, and she acknowledges that her ability to make this choice is a privilege.
The Disconcerting American Attitude
It’s shocking to my friends that many Americans are hesitant about getting vaccinated. They are perplexed by the lack of appreciation for the advantages that come with living in the U.S. I feel embarrassed trying to explain that those who often express the most pride in their nationality are frequently the ones resisting the vaccine.
There exists a unique privilege in the U.S. associated with refusing the COVID-19 vaccine. Despite legitimate concerns about healthcare costs, Americans generally trust that medical care will be available if they fall ill, even at great financial expense. This assumption provides a false sense of security, especially when compared to many countries lacking adequate healthcare infrastructure. In these places, even young individuals face much higher risks of severe illness and death from COVID-19.
The Privilege of Good Health
Another level of privilege is showcased by those who feel confident in their health. “I’ll be fine if I get the virus,” they say, unaware that their refusal to vaccinate could severely affect someone whose health is more precarious. It is a privilege to be able to dismiss potential severe consequences, and it is arrogant to base decisions on personal safety while disregarding the risks faced by others.
The Privilege of Financial Stability
Additionally, many people can afford to take time off work to recover from a severe illness, a luxury not available to everyone. For those who can’t afford to miss work, getting vaccinated is a crucial form of insurance against potential job loss. To assume personal safety based on the belief that recovery will be feasible is a privilege that isn’t shared by all.
The Need for Herd Immunity
Each individual’s choice to decline vaccination undermines our efforts to achieve herd immunity. Vaccine refusals contribute to the ongoing spread of COVID-19 and its mutations, prolonging the pandemic.
When considering vaccination, decisions should be grounded in scientific evidence and social responsibility. The data shows that vaccine reactions are far less likely than experiencing long-term complications from a COVID-19 infection. More importantly, we must act with care for our fellow citizens to help curb the spread of this virus. It’s disheartening that so many Americans remain self-absorbed, dismissing expert advice in favor of unfounded conspiracy theories while people around the globe yearn for the access we take for granted.
It’s time for Americans to reflect on these privileges and strive for a greater sense of responsibility.
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Summary
Vaccine hesitancy in the U.S. reflects a troubling blend of privilege and arrogance, as many Americans overlook their advantages compared to those in other countries. While some believe they are safe from the virus, their refusal to vaccinate has broader implications for public health and the fight against COVID-19. This article urges individuals to reconsider their choices and highlights the responsibility we all share in protecting one another.