The COVID-19 Vaccine

From the 31^st of December 2019, a novel coronavirus from Wuhan in China invaded the planet. Consequently, the virus, which was determined to be airborne, saw several people die due to its adverse effects and many others hospitalized. Many biotechnological companies and governments were in a race to provide a substantial vaccine against the virus to ensure normalcy in activities. The World Health Organization and the United States Centers for Disease Control (CDC) advised that people remain in quarantine and put on face masks while in public and maintain social distancing for a better part of 2020 while different pharmaceutical companies raced against the virus to provide a vaccine. The quarantine period helped reduce the spread of the virus and had negative consequences, especially on brick-and-mortar businesses and the global economy in general. The first vaccine was rolled out to the public later in the year 2020. This year, different pharmaceutical companies have also come up with various forms of COVID-19 vaccines that have proven effective in preventing the pandemic. There are numerous advantages associated with the COVID-19 virus vaccine. However, there is still vaccine hesitancy among certain populations. “Vaccine hesitancy, defined as the refusal, delay, or acceptance with doubts about vaccine usefulness and safety, is recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as one of the ten most important health threats in the world today” (Verger and Dubé 991). This essay describes some advantages associated with the COVID-19 vaccine, a few potential disadvantages, and the protection for oneself, other people, and vulnerable groups.

The CDC provides one of the advantages of the COVID-19 vaccine as being safe (CDC). The organization has come out to dispel some of the conspiracy theories regarding the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine. It explains that the vaccine is not experimental and has undergone the required steps of clinical trials needed for the approval of the drugs (CDC). The FDA has approved some vaccines of COVID-19 as safe for human consumption. The organization explains that the COVID-19 vaccine production has been speeded up many intense biotechnological advancements in the current years. Therefore, the vaccine has no potential to cause harm to human beings.

Another advantage of the COVID-19 vaccine is that it is effective. The CDC explains that the COVID-19 vaccine effectively prevents those who have been vaccinated from acquiring the virus or spreading it (CDC). Different types of vaccines, including subunit vaccines, viral vector vaccines, and plasmid vaccines, have been used to deliver the COVID-19 antigen that elicits an immune response against the disease. The effectiveness of such vaccines ensures that when one is exposed to the virus, the body retains and produces antibodies against the virus that neutralizes it before any potential effects on the individual. Therefore, the vaccine is effective in ensuring one has not been affected by the virus. It also effectively ensures one has protected the people around them because it prevents transmission of the virus.

Once one receives the COVID-19 vaccine, one can resume their normal duties, although still with caution. As initially stated, the vaccine interrupted many operations when people were required to go into quarantine. However, after receiving the vaccine, one is partially safe from the virus and can continue their daily activities without worry. However, the CDC has advised that people should be cautious by putting on masks in areas of high contamination, such as indoors, despite being vaccinated (CDC).

Aside from the advantages of the COVID-19 vaccine, they are also potential disadvantages. Many people have accepted the COVID-19 vaccine and have been immunized against the disease. “However, some hesitancy exists in COVID-19 vaccine acceptability among some subgroups, including college students” (Sharma et al. 4617). The first disadvantage of the COVID-19 vaccine is that most of the vectors used to transfer the COVID-19 antigens into the body can be contaminated. Currently, most works in vectors include plasmid vectors, viral vectors, and bacterial vectors. Such vectors can acquire contamination from the laboratory if there are no safe manufacturing practices employed in the production of these vaccines. The process could cause other viral and bacterial infections to recipients of the vaccine.

Another way through which the COVID-19 vaccine Is being administered this through recombinant protein technology. “The main disadvantage of the recombinant protein vaccine is that it usually only induces specific humoral immune responses and sometimes only provides partial protection to viral infections” (Wang et al. 5). Therefore, using recombinant protein vaccines to administer COVID-19 antigens may only provide partial protection against the disease and increases the risk of reinfection upon exposure to the virus. Another disadvantage of the vaccine is that, because of the fastidious way it has been developed, there are still concerns about its long-term effects. Many people remain unaware of the potential advantages or disadvantages of taking this vaccine. Finally, a common disadvantage with many vaccines, like the COVID-19 vaccine, is the potential for side effects. Many people that have taken the vaccine have reported having side effects, including mild headaches, fever, and nausea. However, the CDC reports that such symptoms go away after a short time (CDC).

It is important to protect the vulnerable from getting COVID-19 infection. Vulnerable groups may have a compromised immune system, and when they are exposed to the virus, the severity of the symptoms they face may overwhelm them. Therefore, we should protect the vulnerable, including the old aged, those with pre-existing conditions, and young children from exposure to the virus. Protection will ensure that such people have not been subjected to the numerous negative health effects of COVID-19, thereby protecting their wellbeing. We should safeguard those with compromised immune systems and children who are not yet immunized against the infection to prevent them from acquiring it because they may not survive the adverse symptoms. I also believe that we have a moral obligation to protect anyone other than ourselves from any transmissible disease. We as human beings should focus on utilitarianism when it comes to protecting ourselves and others in the community. We should be selfless in ensuring total utility by protecting other people from a contagious illness like COVID-19. Also, taking precautions like putting on masks works to ensure that we have protected those within our social circle from acquiring the infection.