Last month, I wrote about working at the polls to investigate the reality of election fraud. To those who suggested I’m naïve, I wrote: “I trust elections for the same reason I get every recommended vaccine because while I know election fraud exists, and vaccines cause death, both are exceedingly rare.”
Here’s more direct experience and research about another controversial issue: vaccines.
Sabin Oral Polio Vaccine…the first vaccine I can remember taking. My Dad was a medical administrator in our county for this nationwide program so our whole family participated as volunteers in its distribution. Since receiving the vaccine, I have not contracted polio. More importantly, research (CDC and WHO) shows about 20 vaccinated people died per 1,000,000 doses on its initial distribution during the 1950s. Sixty years later, that’s down to 3 per million. And while I’d prefer 0 per million, deaths from polio vaccine are exceedingly rare and the disease close to being eradicated through vaccine availability worldwide.
In 2020, I received COVID-19 vaccine as soon as I could, followed by four more doses recommended since then. I’ve tested positive three times so far and lost nothing more than energy and my sense of smell for a few days each time. Extensive research and tracking (below is CDC) say it’s good for me. I currently have a .006% chance of dying from the virus while those unwilling or unable to get the vaccine have a .089% fatality rate; they’re 15x more likely to die. I prefer my odds.
I have no political statement to make yet I know I’ll get blowback from this writing. That’s okay because when it comes to vaccines and election integrity, I consider personal experience and research more important than opinions and hyperbole.
Peace,
Tim McCarthy
