Thinking theologically, as I’ve been encouraging others to do for my whole professional life, in accord with one commentator, 2020 will be one of the darkest times in our American history, but also one of the most hopeful. Theologically, it’s the horror of the cross that becomes the means for the new life of resurrection. Anthropologically, it’s the horror of the pandemic that gives context to the development of a vaccine bringing to fruition a whole new way of treating a virus and perhaps preventing another pandemic in the years ahead. The “new” genetic platform of mRNA worked on for the past ten or so years, is the means of having readily available safe and efficacious vaccines designed to treat a specific virus. Rapid adjustments in this revolutionary platform bring great hope for the future. We aren’t out of the woods by any means; but the promise is there for us to employ a new tool while practicing the tried and true of safe behavior.
I deeply appreciate the kind and generous comments made about the staff’s performance during the recent COVID-19 Vaccination Clinic. They were on hand with plans for an organized administration of the vaccination to the residents and staff. They did it with sensitivity and compassion as they always do. Your appreciation of them means a whole lot.
In the meantime, it is necessary to follow all the risk reducing protocols now in place. MASKS,DISTANCE, and HAND WASHING are de rigueur .
Reportedly, the first dose of the Moderna vaccine takes twelve to fourteen days to achieve about 50% efficacy. The second dose takes some time to achieve the goal of about 94 or 95%. The vaccine is also reported, although investigation continues, to prevent symptomatic illness and lessens the likelihood of severe illness and death. Still under study is the vaccine’s effectiveness in preventing or retarding the transmission of the disease, hence the continued use of masks and distancing. Once “herd immunity” is achieved, putting those actions aside will be possible. For the community’s wellbeing, and your own, continued use of those practices are in order.