The COVID-19 pandemic, which started over one year ago, has inflicted chaos on humankind. For many, this chaos has been felt in all stages of life. Moreover, this pandemic has ushered in many changes to cultural practices, such as reducing family support, increased isolation and stress, and the abandonment of loved ones. And many are struggling to adjust to these changes. 

Microsoft Stock Images.

Limited Support

Before COVID-19, hospitals and other healthcare institutions encouraged family members to visit their loved ones, whether they needed an ultrasound, were hospitalized for surgery or a chronic condition, or during childbirth. However, due to COVID-19, hospitals and other clinics have had to limit visitation by family members or ban relatives from accompanying their loved ones to their premises. Pregnant women must now endure ultrasounds or surgical procedures for miscarriages without their spouses or partners (TheJournal. i.e.). And women who deliver their babies in hospitals are denied the support of more than one family member (BabyCenter; WBTV;TheJournal. i.e.).

Isolation and Stress

This pandemic has also inflicted emotional, physical, and socioeconomic trauma on families, such as increased stress, fear, grief, loneliness, anxiety, and depression. The closure of schools has changed family routines and has left many stressed parents juggling work and supervising their children who must attend virtual classes. Many children are struggling with virtual learning and the absence of physical interaction with their peers, and some are at risk of emotional, sexual, and physical abuse. The lockdowns and physical isolation in response to this pandemic have resulted in the loss of income, domestic violence, unemployment (Health Affairs; Wiley Online Library; Healthline), and global economic crises  (Brookings).

Abandoned Sick and Dying

Older woman peering out a window. Microsoft Stock Image.

COVID-19  has also ensnared the sick and the dying. Overwhelmed hospitals that have run out of beds have instructed EMS (emergency medical services) staff to refuse to transport patients who are unlikely to survive conditions such as cardiac arrest or traumatic body injuries (ABC; EMS1). And the dying and their families have received no mercy from this disease. Due to healthcare institutions’ restrictions, family members and relatives must abandon their hospitalized loved ones. Many are dying alone without anyone to advocate on their behalf. Cultural customs and rituals of saying final goodbyes and making closure are swept away as family members attend funerals where few are permitted to mourn the dead (CGTN; Chicago Tribune).

Approval of COVID-19 Vaccines

In December 2020, the United States approved two COVID-19 vaccines, Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine, and Moderna Covid-19 vaccine (Forbes). Individuals of vulnerable populations, including healthcare providers, residents of long-term care facilities and homes for the elderly, and persons 75 years of age or older, have been given priority to receive these vaccines (CDC).

Skepticism and Fear

However, while many are relieved and are eager to take the vaccines, others, due to skepticism, and fear, have indicated that they do not plan to take the vaccines. And some of the most vulnerable, such as healthcare providers and individuals of African ancestry, have stated that they will not take any of the COVID-19 vaccines (KevinMD). Skepticism of the vaccine, such as causing sterility and increased miscarriages, has been influenced by misinformation on social media (Mayo Clinic; Politico).

Others point to the rapid development of the vaccines or the history of maltreatment of individuals of color as the basis for their skepticism. Compared to the traditional manner of developing vaccines, the rapid production of the COVID-19 vaccines has caused significant distrust in many. However, researchers and scientists state that they have been developing the foundation for the COVID-19 vaccines for over 15 years. They were able to rapidly create these vaccines through prior research on similar coronavirus diseases, such as Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) (KELOLAND; STAT). Individuals who are skeptical about the rapid development of these vaccines could compare the impact of advanced technology on efficiency, such as using computers instead of typewriters to prepare documents and utilizing electronic mail instead of relying solely on postal mail. Many years ago, vaccines took years to develop, but technological advancement has enabled quicker development of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Fear has also contributed to hesitancy in taking the vaccines. Some of African descent by longstanding abuses and maltreatment, such as the Tuskegee Syphilis Studies, and ongoing inadequate medical treatment and procedures that African Americans receive compared to white Americans (Time). Others are afraid that they will experience severe allergic reactions to the vaccines (CDC). And individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with kidney or liver failure, and cancer patients receiving radiation therapy or chemotherapy (GoodRx), are concerned about taking the vaccines. Healthcare providers recommend that individuals with weakened immune systems speak with their healthcare providers about receiving the COVID-19 vaccines (American Cancer Society; GoodRx).

The Decision on Taking the Vaccine

Young woman thinking. Microsoft Stock Images.

Many who are doubtful of the COVID-19 vaccine may wish for ancestry, who are at greater risk of developing COVID-19 and dying from this disease, do not trust researchers and healthcare providers. Their mistrust is fueled b a crystal ball that would tell them what decision to make. Unfortunately, there is no crystal ball to help them decide.

If you are reluctant to take the vaccine, you could utilize a decision-making process as identified below, to help you in arriving at an informed decision on whether to take the vaccine:

1. Conduct your research by fact-checking information that you receive on social media.
2. Seek information from trusted healthcare providers and credible websites.
3. Evaluate whether you or your family members are part of a vulnerable group and would benefit from the protection offered by the vaccine.
4. If you or a loved one has a weakened immune system, speak with your healthcare provider or the healthcare provider of your loved one about taking the vaccine.

While you might not have a crystal ball to tell you whether to take the COVID-19 vaccine, your vision of the future could help you decide if you should take the vaccine. But you are the only one who can determine how your future could look.

The choice is yours.