Originally Posted by
Mach E Avelli
Fellow atheist here.
I am not a complete moral high grounder, not rabid (except in my opinions on religion and Putin), but firmly pro-vax. With very much the attitude that natural selection will take care of those who are destined for an early departure from this mortal coil, whether due bad luck or stupidity. Having access to vaccines surely defers that date for a good proportion of the population, though we have to accept that vaccines won’t work for everyone.
But to relate personal experience of two 'elderly' people (70+). Wife had all 4 shots of Pfizer at the recommended intervals. I had two of AZ then the two Pfizer boosters, also at the recommended intervals. A few months after the second booster wife got covid from a close contact in the workplace. I could have avoided her by staying on my boat, but chose to go home and see how long it would take to catch it, because I really did not want to have a later scheduled overseas holiday spoiled. I was seeking the 12 week immunity on offer (though of course not guaranteed) which supposedly follows recovery.
After two days, I tested positive, but with no symptoms. Mild symptoms 24 hours later. Neither of us had symptoms any worse than those of a common cold, and by day 7 of our respective isolation periods we were absolutely fine.
I appreciate that good luck,(or genes) may have played a part, but I also dips me lid to the scientists who brought us vaccines so quickly.
Finally, I well considered and appropriate post. Thank you Mach. I concur with your assessment of the science. We are very fortunate. The wheels are in motion for an Omicron specific vaccine as we speak too. I've seen first-hand both the positive attributes of those vaccinated and boostered, as well as those that opted for selfish attitudes. The latter definitely fair far worse. And when offered medication (eg. antivirals, convalescent sera, Mab's etc), not one have I heard say to me, "Do you know what the long-term effects are of those drugs?"