A vial of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is seen at Central Emergency Services Station 1 on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

A vial of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is seen at Central Emergency Services Station 1 on Friday, Dec. 18, 2020, in Soldotna, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)

Letter to the Editor: Do the right thing for the community

The anti-vaccine sign holders are not advocating for conditions that meet the collective needs of our community.

“I have an immune system.” “No forced jab.”

These were the messages displayed on the signs people were holding as I sat at the traffic light. The sign holders were enjoying a beautiful sunny day and were cheered by the honking cars as they passed by. All I could think was, “How did we get to this point in our community, state and nation?”

Let’s start with the first quote, “I have an immune system.”

Yes, you and every other human do have an immune system. We know from the beginning of the pandemic that COVID-19 has the ability to overrun our immune system and as a result people have been sick, some with long term effects, and many people have died.

Vaccines are the best option available to help us beat this disease. Some will argue that the vaccines aren’t working because those who are now vaccinated are still getting sick. It is true that the vaccinated are getting breakthrough infection but it’s also true that the likelihood of a vaccinated person getting COVID is much less than the unvaccinated, and the severity of symptoms is also much less in the vaccinated. Hospitalization numbers bear this out.

A good analogy is that the COVID vaccine works like an umbrella. An umbrella will protect the user from rain drops, light rain, and even a rain shower. But in a complete deluge of rain even the umbrella user is going to get wet, however, much less wet than the person with no umbrella. Our community, state and nation are now experiencing a deluge of COVID, thus even the vaccinated are getting COVID.

A basic premise of life that was passed on to me by my parents was the fact that we, as a society, have a responsibility to take care of those less able to care for themselves, particularly the young and the old. As a child growing up in Alaska I saw this firsthand as leaders made decisions to build schools, hospitals and senior care facilities to meet the needs of community members. Difficult choices were made but there was a collective consensus that as Alaskans we work together to support each other and our families.

What happened to that premise in society?

The anti-vaccine sign holders are not advocating for conditions that meet the collective needs of our community. Instead, they are relying on an overrun hospital system to be there if they should fall ill with COVID and need hospital care.

This puts all of us at risk because the hospital is maxed out with COVID patients and the typical medical needs are not able to be met. At least half the students in our schools are not old enough to be eligible for the vaccine. Those sign holders and others who choose to be unvaccinated are putting children and the smooth operation of fully staffed schools at risk. We know the hardships that many children experienced during remote schooling. Low vaccination rates in our community puts in person schooling in jeopardy if the level of disease continues to soar.

Whether you argue for “mandated” or “highly encouraged” vaccinations, I would advocate that you do what is best for all in our community and get vaccinated if you are eligible. It is the right thing to do and is reflective of our true Alaskan spirit.

— Margaret Gilman, Kenai

More in Opinion

Nick Begich III campaign materials sit on tables ahead of a May 16, 2022, GOP debate held in Juneau. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file photo)
Opinion: North to a Brighter Future

The policies championed by the Biden/Harris Administration and their allies in Congress have made it harder for us to live the Alaskan way of life

Soldotna City Council member Linda Farnsworth-Hutchings participates in the Peninsula Clarion and KDLL candidate forum series, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, at the Soldotna Public Library in Soldotna, Alaska. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: I’m a Soldotna Republican and will vote No on 2

Open primaries and ranked choice voting offer a way to put power back into the hands of voters, where it belongs

Shrubs grow outside of the Kenai Courthouse on Monday, July 3, 2023, in Kenai, Alaska. (Ashlyn O’Hara/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Vote yes to retain Judge Zeman and all judges on your ballot

Alaska’s state judges should never be chosen or rejected based on partisan political agendas

A vintage Underwood typewriter sits on a table on Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2022, at the Homer News in Homer, Alaska. (Photo by Michael Armstrong/Homer News)
Point of View: District 6 needs to return to representation before Vance

Since Vance’s election she has closely aligned herself with the far-right representatives from Mat-Su and Gov. Mike Dunleavy

The Anchor River flows in the Anchor Point State Recreation Area on Saturday, Aug. 5, 2023, in Anchor Point, Alaska. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Opinion: Help ensure Alaskans have rights to use, enjoy and care for rivers

It is discouraging to see the Department of Natural Resources seemingly on track to erode the public’s ability to protect vital water interests.

A sign directing voters to the Alaska Division of Elections polling place is seen in Kenai, Alaska, Monday, Oct. 21, 2024. (Photo by Erin Thompson/Peninsula Clarion)
Vote no on Ballot Measure 2

A yes vote would return Alaska to party controlled closed primaries and general elections in which the candidate need not win an outright majority to be elected.

Derrick Green (Courtesy photo)
Opinion: Ballot Measure 1 will help businesses and communities thrive

It would not be good for the health and safety of my staff, my customers, or my family if workers are too worried about missing pay to stay home when they are sick.

A sign warns of the presence of endangered Cook Inlet beluga whales at the Kenai Beach in Kenai, Alaska, on Monday, July 10, 2023. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Opinion: Could an unnecessary gold mine drive Cook Inlet belugas extinct?

An industrial port for the proposed Johnson Tract gold mine could decimate the bay

Cassie Lawver. Photo provided by Cassie Lawver
Point of View: A clear choice

Sarah Vance has consistently stood up for policies that reflect the needs of our district

Alex Koplin. (courtesy photo)
Point of View: Ranked choice gives voters more voice

The major political parties are not in touch with all Alaskans