Don't be dissuaded from taking the vaccine

The Jan. 9 Daily Herald included an Associated Press article "Vaccine rollout hits snag as health workers balk at shots." As a pediatrician for over 40 years, I am pleading that none of your readers be dissuaded from taking the COVID-19 vaccine based on that article.

The sole physician interviewed was a cardiothoracic surgeon. This gentleman said, "I don't think anyone wants to be a guinea pig." Yet the brave individuals who entered the vaccine trials were the guinea pigs. Actually they were more like sacrificial lambs for us all - half, of course, blinded to the fact they received just a placebo.

Certainly, if I ever require cardiothoracic surgery, it is a cardiothoracic surgeon I would want to do the job. For advice on immunizations, however, I strongly recommend infectious disease specialists. Once a new vaccine is approved by the FDA, ensure that it is also endorsed by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the CDC. Once the FDA approves a vaccine for children, be sure it is endorsed by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Consult with your own physician or nurse practitioner before receiving the vaccine; a very small minority of people should not receive it. Yet if you do qualify, remember our society's quest to put this terrible pandemic behind us depends on a significant majority receiving the shot.

We are extraordinarily fortunate to have a safe and effective vaccine available so quickly. Please get yours as soon as you are able.

Bruce Bedingfield

Hoffman Estates

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