Unscientific Survey: After the Vaccine
Swarthmorean readers are the best. Many things could support that statement, but what prompted it from me was the reaction to our latest Unscientific Survey. This started by asking whether you would get a COVID-19 vaccination when available. Hearteningly, 92% of respondents followed the science and responded that they would; an additional 3% said they weren’t sure, in some cases because they needed more information regarding their specific medical condition.
The second question asked about the first thing you’d do after receiving the vaccine, and here’s where the reader comments were most appreciated. No small number of you pointed out that getting vaccinated should not lead to a change in behavior: we still need to wear a mask and socially distance. David Burnette, for example, replied that when he got his final dose of the vaccine, he’d “continue to lay low until this pandemic is over so I don’t get someone sick! I sure as hell hope that folks don’t act like this mess is over as soon as they get their vaccine!”
Betty Dowling said she would “scream and shout and dance around, then wait a month till immunity is achieved, then visit out-of-town family and friends.”
And Ann Foster wrote, “I would love to hug my family and have them over for a meal; but since I am ahead of them on the eligibility scale, I am not certain that being vaccinated means I cannot infect others.”
As these commenters suggest, experts acknowledge there’s not yet empirical evidence that the COVID vaccines also prevent asymptomatic infection and transmission (although we know that other vaccines generally do).
But back to the first thing you plan to do. The biggest response went to visiting a particular person or family, followed by booking a trip, booking a table at a restaurant, and getting your hair and/or nails done. Some of the responses of those who selected “other” were: play sports, get a massage, see a movie, go to a bookstore, “see my students in person” (Diane Seider), and “ice arm for several days.”
And someone commented, “Cannot wait to gather in the amphitheater this summer and listen to music while catching up with neighbors at Thursday Night Live.” Amen to that.
Last word goes to the reader who said, “The second thing I’d do would be to send the kids to school, five days, in a building!”
The next Unscientific Survey: Presidential Priorities
Two days ago, Joe Biden was inaugurated as president of the United States. Understanding that he has to confront many pressing matters, and that most of these overlap, which do you believe is the most important issue for him to address?
Climate change and the environment.
Racial justice.
COVID-19.
Jobs and the economy.
Rebuilding international alliances.
National healing and unity.
Other (please specify).
