We must keep our eye on the prize.
This COVID thing must end or normalize at some point in the not-too-distant future. To be clear, by “normalize” I don’t mean we accept a pandemic that returns to overcrowded hospitals, shortages of ventilators and more deaths.
My plan is to live to be 100, to see my grandchildren have children of their own, and to dance at their children’s wedding.
I’m 67 years old, take no regular medication whatsoever, and maintain a fairly healthy diet. While I could use more regular exercise, I’m in generally good health.
My birth father, Marvin Lee Hooser, passed away at the young age of 57 from respiratory problems associated with emphysema. During the course of my life, when I have occasionally fallen ill with a cold or flu, respiratory issues, sometimes debilitating in nature including bronchitis and walking pneumonia, too often followed.
Given my history, it’s clear that any respiratory illness exacerbated or precipitated by a COVID infection is not something my body would likely handle well.
So, let’s move back to Zoom for now. And, please, if you have not already done so, get vaccinated. I have been vaccinated and will get a booster whenever it’s available and recommended by my primary-care physician.
While I believe in personal choice when it comes to health matters, if you choose not to get vaccinated please wear your mask and limit your social interactions. On a personal note — I prefer not meeting in person with anyone who has not yet been vaccinated.
There, I said it. I’m trying to respect those who feel differently on this issue, but the bottom line is the protection of my own life, my family’s personal health and the health of our community.
If you have religious or medical reasons for not being vaccinated, I respect your choice and wish you well.
But please don’t base this critical decision on YouTube videos, politics or the advice of people who claim a global conspiracy.
The current hysteria over vaccines and vaccine mandates is based on fear and driven by a seemingly endless wave of misinformation. And, of course, all good conspiracy theories are grounded in the premise that “it could be true.” Yes, it could be true — but it’s not. Most misinformation starts as a kernel of truth taken out of context, and quickly strays into speculation and hyperbole.
Modern vaccine history began in the late 18th century with the discovery of the smallpox immunization by Edward Jenner. Vaccines have been used since then to eliminate smallpox, fight the polio virus and prevent infectious diseases like measles, diphtheria and whooping cough.
Though the current angst reverberating around the state surrounds “vaccine mandates,” all 50 states have for years mandated the vaccination of students. Vaccine mandates are not new. Hawai‘i currently requires all those attending public/private school grades kindergarten to 12 to be vaccinated against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, hepatitis B, hepatitis A, measles, mumps, rubella and chicken pox.
Hawai‘i Revised Statutes: §302A-1154 states: “(a) No child shall attend any school in the State unless the child presents to the appropriate school official documentation satisfactory to the department of health that the child has received immunizations against communicable diseases as required by the department of health.”
Similar to school-admission policies, employers, both public and private, have the right, and many would say the obligation, to require their employees to be vaccinated in order to protect all employees and customers.
Unfortunately, the escalating rhetoric has resulted in people claiming they are being “forced” to vaccinate. Actually, no one is forcing anyone to do anything. Parents are free to homeschool their children if they object to vaccinations for religious or health reasons. And, of course, individuals have the right to quit their jobs and find another one if they so choose. Apparently the job market is hot at the moment, and so that should not be a problem.
To all who have so far refrained from choosing to take the shot, I encourage you to review the credible data, speak to those in the medical community whom you trust, and make a decision that best protects your own life and the health of your family.
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Gary Hooser is the former vice-chair of the Democratic Party of Hawai‘i, and served eight years in the state Senate, where he was majority leader. He also served for eight years on the Kaua‘i County Council, and was the former director of the state Office of Environmental Quality Control. He serves presently in a volunteer capacity as board president of the Hawai‘i Alliance for Progressive Action and is executive director of the Pono Hawai‘i Initiative.
