I mentioned to a group of swimmers this weekend that I was heading over to get the Covid vaccine on Monday morning. Everyone seemed indifferen to the idea and talked about acquired immunity or something. I mentioned that I'd gotten the previous shots but I HAVE NEVER HAD COVID. People were surprised that there are actually people who have NEVER HAD COVID. But the vaccines seem to work; at least for me, my spouse, my extended family and a lot of people who don't fly across the country at the drop of a hat. Or sing in a choir. Or go to packed blockbuster movie openings. Or hang out at crowded bars.
At this juncture I think 93% of people in the USA who have been tested have tested positive for Covid-19 antibodies in their systems. That leaves 7% completely uninfected.
But my diligence in getting the vaccine, especially as a 69 year old, is not only to prevent initially catching the disease but to also have a shot at surviving it. People are now acting like it's no different than the common cold but according to the CDC 2,200,000 Americans have died of Covid19. That's a lot. And the vast majority of them are in the demographic that I think is most prevalent among VSL readers: Ages 55-90.
Keeping current on the vaccines is no guarantee that you'll never catch the virus but it is a statistically relevant way of preventing death or lasting infirmity if you do get the virus.
And for all you old, cheap bastards, the vaccines are widely available and, to just about everyone 65 and over, absolutely free. Takes ten minutes out of your day. May keep you from coughing to death. Seems like a smart trade off to me.
I got the latest 2025-2026 formulation of the Moderna vaccine which is said to do a good job against the newest strain of the virus. You could get one too.
I'm flying across country several times in late September and mid-October. Nearly every one I know caught their first bout of Covid right after flying somewhere for work or vacation. I'm not taking chances. It's the same reason I don't smoke cigarettes or snort cocaine -- I'd like to not flirt with an early death. And yes, I'll likely wear a mask while waiting at the crowded gate and in the airplane.
I mean, after all, we worked really hard to save up all this cash for retirement it just seems logical to make plans to stick around and enjoy it for a while. Right?
(have no fear, that illustration above is a radiation shielded injector made for radiology. The vaccine needle is tiny and almost pain free in use).
Now....who is up for a nice flu shot?
