Current Events > For those who are uncomfortable with getting vaccines, why

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Is it just a gut feeling thing? Is it a fear of negative effects? If so, what would calm your fears about it? Do you have to wait 1 year before you feel comfortable taking it? 2 years? 3? Why?
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I get all mine no fear

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I'm getting mine as soon as I can. I'm just curious why people fear getting vaccines in general. They hear a few stories of bad side effects out of 20million + shots and are turned off from getting it. Like, is the threshold for feeling comfortable getting it supposed to be 100% efficacy and 0 side effects? For those who say they want to see long term side effects, what does that mean? They want to wait a few months? 1 year? 10 years. Why is 1 year the threshold for seeing long term side effects?
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Among those that have genuine concerns about this specific vaccine, its mostly going to be centered around COVID largely being unprecedented in their lifetimes and not trusting the powers that be to deliver a real solution. (I for instance would not have touched any vaccine that Trump ended up endorsing)

But most people who have an issue with it are either COVID deniers or your run of the mill anti-vaxxers.

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CommonJoe posted...

. (I for instance would not have touched any vaccine that Trump ended up endorsing)

.. Like, we'd want the president to tell people to get vaccinated though. I mean, I get that Trump was shitty and maybe I'm naive, but I wouldn't think trump would somehow cause multiple pharmacy companies in multiple countries to make a bad vaccine.

I don't know. I get why they have some concerns, it just feels bad, but ultimately it ends up sounding like a conspiracy type theory to me.
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emblem boy posted...

Like, we'd want the president to tell people to get vaccinated though. I mean, I get that Trump was shitty and maybe I'm naive, but I wouldn't think trump would somehow cause multiple pharmacy companies in multiple countries to make a bad vaccine.

If a person keeps telling you the virus is a hoax and comes up with the idea to inject yourself with bleach to cure yourself of this hoax virus, Im not trusting the vaccine he suddenly decides to endorse.

Its a credibility issue and fortunately one that never happened.

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many people are laughably undereducated about anything medical, plus add in a strong paranoia of authority (especially among marganizalied and rural communities) and well there you go.

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Trump is an idiot and a narcissist. For all you know, he'd be endorsing it so he can get credit for a working vaccine and he gets the praise.

Like, if millions have taken it and tons of other reputable people are saying it's good, surely that changes your mind.
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coolboy11 posted...

many people are laughably undereducated about anything medical, plus add in a strong paranoia of authority (especially among marganizalied and rural communities) and well there you go.

People will point to a side effect that has a very rare chance of happening, but take non tested pills because it's "natural" and has no side effects
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Ones I've talked to eventually show signs of distrust of doctors and drug companies. It could be due to a bad experience with a doctor's bad diagnosis or treatment, or just getting a medication bill, but they are afraid of some incompetance or neferious scheme. One told me "do you trust people that charge hundreds for insulin when they offer something free or cheap.

It's not right, but it's less stupid than I'd like it to be.

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emblem boy posted...

Trump is an idiot and a narcissist. For all you know, he'd be endorsing it so he can get credit for a working vaccine and he gets the praise.

Like, if millions have taken it and tons of other reputable people are saying it's good, surely that changes your mind.

Im not saying anyone is using that as their reasoning in the here and now; it was an example to illustrate that having concerns over a vaccine isnt always unwarranted.

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CommonJoe posted...

emblem boy posted...

Trump is an idiot and a narcissist. For all you know, he'd be endorsing it so he can get credit for a working vaccine and he gets the praise.

Like, if millions have taken it and tons of other reputable people are saying it's good, surely that changes your mind.

Im not saying anyone is using that as their reasoning in the here and now; it was an example to illustrate that having concerns over a vaccine isnt always unwarranted.

I think that as a rational is unwarranted though.

I understand where the fear is coming from and the negative gut feeling, but it's still incorrect and I'm curious how to get people to like get rid of it.

lightwarrior78 posted...

Ones I've talked to eventually show signs of distrust of doctors and drug companies. It could be due to a bad experience with a doctor's bad diagnosis or treatment, or just getting a medication bill, but they are afraid of some incompetance or neferious scheme. One told me "do you trust people that charge hundreds for insulin when they offer something free or cheap.

It's not right, but it's less stupid than I'd like it to be.

Yep, same. That's why I tend to think of it as a conspiracy theory. It creates some nefarious bad group that's trying to do something evil.

You see it with people who have worked in the medical field and have had had experiences and extrapolate it to other things.
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emblem boy posted...

I think that as a rational is unwarranted though.

It wasnt last year, and sorry dude I dont give a flying fuck what it is Im not doing something Trump recommended while President. Period.


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Man, I think about last year and people making fun of conspiracy theorists on the Right. I kept thinking to myself how some of the same people making fun of Trumpers had their own personal pet conspiracy theories that they probably believe is true.

Whatever, as long as their theories don't end up hurting others.
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Bump
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My concern is with how long the COVID vaccine had been tested. Normally, vaccines are tested for more than a year. Look at all the controversy with Astra Seneca. Plus, the US has a bad reputation with pharmaceuticals and the medical industry's for-profit reputation so trust is a bit shaky for me.

I'm not opposed to taking a vaccine ever. I'm just not comfortable taking it now. I also have the luxury to wait since I'm working from home so it's not like I'm going out and being a super spreader. (No trips to Florida for me...)

I will eventually.
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I feel like I've said this here before...
I'm not opposed to the vaccine, and i'm not anti-vax. I want some more time for it to be studied for long term effects. Will I get it? Yeah probably, but it will be when they are saying "Wellllll, we got ALMOST everybody. Anyone else who hasn't gotten it, it's your turn."

And as others have pointed out to me there isn't much difference between this and every other vaccine ever made and those don't cause cancer. And that's a valid point.

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It's a wait and see approach for me. If this thing is going to mutate like crazy and become a yearly shot I won't do it, just like I never get flu shots.
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I'm getting it as soon as it is available, but I admit I'm a bit uncomfortable about it because there have been people with complications. I may end up being one of the unlucky ones.

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voldothegr8 posted...

It's a wait and see approach for me. If this thing is going to mutate like crazy and become a yearly shot I won't do it, just like I never get flu shots.

so then how do you expect anything to get back to normal? if everyone followed your lead, we'd never hit herd immunity required to safely reopen. so the choices are we either live like this forever, or just say "fuck it" and accept the 550k deaths so far as just the cost of doing business?

anyone who desires a return to normal life but is unwilling to get the vaccine is being selfish because they expect everyone else to assume the risks they're unwilling to.

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Lol, I just happened to see this story which I think kinda touches on what I mentioned about it being a gut feeling for some people. It feels rushed, it feels quick, it feels like we're guinea pigs. But what would it take for someone to not feel that way

https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2021/03/the-experts-had-a-rough-year-we-still-have-to-trust-them/618344/
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Giant_Aspirin posted...

so then how do you expect anything to get back to normal? if everyone followed your lead, we'd never hit herd immunity required to safely reopen. so the choices are we either live like this forever, or just say "fuck it" and accept the 550k deaths so far as just the cost of doing business?

anyone who desires a return to normal life but is unwilling to get the vaccine is being selfish because they expect everyone else to assume the risks they're unwilling to.

The biggest way to combating this is wearing a mask and social distancing. Vaccines are mostly needed for those who don't have a choice because of work, or because they need to have a social life. Look at the countries that succeeded in wearing masks and social distancing. They don't need a vaccine at this moment. In fact, they could have killed off COVID in their country if it weren't for stupid countries that didn't bother with masks and social distancing.

As long as you're not both anti vaccine AND anti mask, I don't think it's an issue.

Mimichan posted...

The biggest way to combating this is wearing a mask and social distancing.

so then we'll just wear masks and social distance forever? are you fine with that?

Mimichan posted...

As long as you're not both anti vaccine AND anti mask, I don't think it's an issue.

well, see, the thing about that is a whole lot of people who are against one are against the other.

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the one reason I've heard the most often in my personal life is "I don't trust doctors"

I dont know what to say about that tbh

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Got my first dose two days ago. My arm is still sore, this probably has something to do with Bill Gates, so I'm not getting my second shot!

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I think for a lot of people recommending that they speak with their PCP and me going out of my way to call them back just to check up on a final decision definitely helped

Ive had people over the phone who straight up refused until I tried to relate as a 26 year old with the same concern.

Basically I tell them that their PCPs have their medical chart and can make a better decision based on their body.. reassurances that doctors uphold oaths to take care of patients and their job beyond the past 10 years of politics we just went through involves giving good medical advice.

The hardest person to convince was someone younger they asked me about concerns stemming from Reddit, social media, etc. legit asked me about the bus found within Democrats and Republicans to push a narrative. Spent a good 20 minutes talking about how the only people who would know best at this point are the medical professionals who have his medical chart available to make good judgement calls as well.

Lots of people are appreciative if you take the time


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Giant_Aspirin posted...

so then we'll just wear masks and social distance forever? are you fine with that?

well, see, the thing about that is a whole lot of people who are against one are against the other.

I wasn't the person this was in response to but I have said I'm not in a hurry to get the shot. I 100 percent wear my mask everywhere. I even wear it when I go to visit my parents who have both had vaccines. I get frustrated at people who don't wear a mask.

But you're right, most people who are anti the vaccine are also anti mask.

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https://krispykreme.com/promos/vaccineoffer

Go get your vaccines y'all, lol.

But really, this topic is for more than just covid vaccine, it's a general question.

RedJackson posted...

I think for a lot of people recommending that they speak with their PCP and me going out of my way to call them back just to check up on a final decision definitely helped

Ive had people over the phone who straight up refused until I tried to relate as a 26 year old with the same concern.

Basically I tell them that their PCPs have their medical chart and can make a better decision based on their body.. reassurances that doctors uphold oaths to take care of patients and their job beyond the past 10 years of politics we just went through involves giving good medical advice.

The hardest person to convince was someone younger they asked me about concerns stemming from Reddit, social media, etc. legit asked me about the bus found within Democrats and Republicans to push a narrative. Spent a good 20 minutes talking about how the only people who would know best at this point are the medical professionals who have his medical chart available to make good judgement calls as well.

Lots of people are appreciative if you take the time

At some point, the person just has to have faith in the institution and trust that there's no some conspiracy in government and the medical business. And it seems hard to instill that trust once it's been lost.
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emblem boy posted...

At some point, the person just has to have faith in the institution and trust that there's no some conspiracy in government and the medical business. And it seems hard to instill that trust once it's been lost.

I try to steer the conversation away from that, but I make them aware of this because basically I have the same thoughts about government and the business industry.

At the very least getting people to call their primary care and talk first will let them realize they are putting in an effort to get all the information first and that I support their decision to do so. They always cite people jumping down their throat about it and I tell them its fair to reserve judgement based upon their experience with that as well.

The best thing to do is to simply address any concern regardless of how unfounded it is

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That assumes they trust their PCP in the first place, lol. But ya, I get what you're saying.

And I'm fine with talking it out and listening to their concerns, which is what. My opening post is about. What information would it take to make them feel comfortable
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emblem boy posted...

That assumes they trust their PCP in the first place, lol. But ya, I get what you're saying.

And I'm fine with talking it out and listening to their concerns, which is what. My opening post is about. What information would it take to make them feel comfortable

Yeah, I mean some conversations just get reduced back down to the basic ideas of doctors and governments.. I don't offer much in the lieu of that beyond 'I realize these past 10 years have been crazy, but at the same time where were you before that in terms of this idea then before this craziness'

I feel the people who say no to vaccines already believe that and the fact that I feel so as a person too probably just helps them along reconcile they probably would've gone to the doctors and not have been disclosed the testing length of most medicines anyways

They kinda end up unraveling what it is that got them there in their mindset if you let them try and stump you - there's no hard feelings about that and I don't take it personal if someone wants to investigate vaccines from the political level all the way down to the practical

Ah, but this is part of a rant -- my job now IS to work and address these concerns everyday abd jnow very well some people will never change their mind :s


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My favorite thing about anti vaxxers is how they claimed we cant live our lives in fear as they protested lockdown restrictions, then are terrified to get a little shot lmao

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MFBKBass5 posted...

My favorite thing about anti vaxxers is how they claimed we cant live our lives in fear as they protested lockdown restrictions, then are terrified to get a little shot lmao

I wouldn't even know how to go about disassembling that

I've had 'they make this stuff to kill our community and the people in them' and I as like 'ah shit, here it is'

a part of my inner latino was like 'MAN WHAT IF THO' and couldn't help but be jaded -- but the other part of me was like 'well, we got you on a list because we wanted to primarily serve this and surrounding communities through our own channels first since alot of places have them open to the 'public' and that makes it harder to get a shot'

it doesn't answer their question but it does let them know I heard them loud and clear at least.. they seem to be the hardest to convince since you can't really delve down without having more time to talk about all of that - I tried to relate it to how I wish they'd give the vaccine to my family in south america and that I'm fortunate to have received mine

speech checks all around lol

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WrkHrdPlayHrdr posted...

But you're right, most people who are anti the vaccine are also anti mask.

Actually I don't think that's the case. I think most anti-maskers are anti-vax, but not necessarily the other way around. It also depends on how you're defining anti vaxxer.

I don't think there's anything wrong with being hesitant about the vaccine for now. I am currently up to date on all my other vaccines.

But people nowadays don't know how to see anything in any other way except black and white. Since I'm hesitant about the COVID vaccine, I must be a crazy anti vaxxer!!

And as a result, those of us on the fence will not feel comfortable talking about it with anyone else.

emblem boy posted...

At some point, the person just has to have faith in the institution and trust that there's no some conspiracy in government and the medical business. And it seems hard to instill that trust once it's been lost.

A lot of it is that this institution and only under this circumstance seems to be the only time people are told to blindly trust it. Politicians, police, business owners, bankers, unless you can say "because science" as part of your explanation, you will get questioned by the same side saying "just take the shot". That sounds good until you realize most people saying that didn't get much past high school level science so it is a blind faith to authority with the same ferocity as "don't question the church". As i said, even the medical profession is quesstioned about their costs, so we don't trust that system totally blindly either.

How do you build trust in an institution when most of the time people are so untrusting of just about everything else?

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