I agree with you on this, though, as is so often the case, there are exceptions. This happens to be a place where I think it’s worth noting that exceptions exist, since I think many people will take this as an absolute and universal principle.
Here I differ with you.
- If this virus is now simply going to be circulating and mutating indefinitely, which from what I’ve read has been the expected outcome for about a year
- And if the vaccine is not even effective for one year, which is my understanding from the latest studies, making at least annual boosters necessary
- And if the vaccine is effective at preventing death in most people who get vaccinated, which the studies also seem to bear out (at least until it wears off)
- And if it’s entirely possible for society to continue functioning while all this happens
Then I think we already have a perfectly good solution in place with the flu vaccine: those who want to, get it, and the public health organizations make sure everybody knows who is most at risk and tries to get them to get vaccinated.
If we had the ability to stamp out Covid through mass vaccinations that last 10 years to life, I’d be more sympathetic to your position. But as it is, I don’t see why we don’t simply let those who want to get vaccinated (and re-vaccinated) do so, and let those who don’t want to for whatever reason, simply live with the risk. Yes, breakthrough cases that end in death will happen, but they will be rare—just like death as a result of the vaccine happens but is rare. Those who want even more protection than the vaccine can offer can add a face mask for additional protection if they want.
What benefit is there if a room of 10 people, all wearing masks, 9 of whom are vaccinated, kick out the 10th person? There’s still the possibility that one of the vaccinated has it, and spreads it to another vaccinated person. It’s not like they’ve gotten rid of all risk. If the vaccine is so effective, then they really haven’t changed the odds much at all.