×

Get vaccinated — Save your life

We are all tired of COVID-19. Unfortunately, COVID-19 isn’t tired of us.

Recent statistics show that the novel coronavirus is once again trending upward. According to the North Dakota Department of Health, COVID-19, including the Delta variant, is present and spreading in North Dakota communities. These new infections are occurring primarily among people who aren’t vaccinated. As the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports, coronavirus HAS BECOME A PANDEMIC OF THE UNVACCINATED.

Ninety-nine percent of all the COVID related deaths nationwide are among unvaccinated individuals. Evolving strains, such as the Delta variant are responsible for over 85% of new infections. Every unvaccinated individual is a potential laboratory for the virus to mutate into a resistant strain. It would be a nightmare for the strain to develop that is resistant to our vaccines. The crisis could start all over, resulting in a catastrophic setback for our country.

Fortunately, we are blessed with vaccines that are both safe and effective. They were developed with science that has been around for over 10 years. They have gone through all required clinical trials. COVID-19 vaccines have received and continue to undergo the most intensive safety monitoring in U.S. history. If you are waiting to find out whether the vaccines are safe, the good news is, they are. The science is in. Mild side effects may occur as they do with all vaccines, but serious side effects are highly unlikely. If you look at the facts, the benefits of getting vaccinated far eclipse the risks by a huge factor. Dr. Jeffrey Verhey, Minot’s long term pulmonary specialist states, “I highly recommend the vaccine as the successful tool we have. Without it you put yourself and others at risk.” It has been reported by colleagues that unfortunately the last question from patients before being placed on a ventilator is sometimes, “Is it too late for the vaccine?”

It’s a puzzle why some people are reluctant to get vaccinated. Procrastination and lingering skepticism are likely. For others, it’s become political. But vaccines don’t belong to any political party. No matter what your political affiliation, the vaccine will work for you. Development of the successful COVID vaccination is one of if not the greatest miracle of modern medicine for decades.

Hats off to Trinity Health for the remarkable coordinated efforts to test and vaccinate for the COVID-19 virus. Through hard work and effective planning, a coordinated program was organized with First District Health Unit, The National Guard, City of Minot Fire Department and numerous pharmacies, primary care providers, and medical facilities throughout Western North Dakota. Trinity has been able to provide over 20,000 vaccinations. The First District Health Unit has provided 27,300 tests and 22,600 vaccinations across a 7-county area. The resulting protective immunity has saved many lives.

Even so, there is more work to do.

North Dakota remains near the bottom states for vaccination rates. I hope you will consider getting vaccinated for your benefit as well as that of your family and friends. With your help we can all look forward to recovering the economic health and stability of our nation as well as more opportunity to hug family and friends, spend time together, attend social events, travel, and enjoy more individual health and freedom.

For more information please check the website, trinityhealth.org, and click on the COVID link. To schedule your appointment for vaccination call Trinity Health at 701-857-2515 or First District Health Unit at 701-852-1376.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today