COVID Vaccination: Parties Back in 2021?
As vaccinations become available across the world at varying levels, some will choose to get vaccinated. Some will not or cannot, for personal or other reasons. What can we expect in 2021?
Once the current supply chain problems are resolved, most people will be able to get vaccinated if they wish within a few months. Not only because vaccine production will be greatly accelerated, but also because plenty of people will choose not to vaccinate.
If we choose to vaccinate, it is important to understand what to expect. Current COVID vaccines may work for most mutants, but not all. Also, like all vaccines, they will work for most people, but not all. Some people who are vaccinated may contract the virus. They may exhibit no symptoms. Even when they do, typically their symptoms are less severe and they are in no danger. So we will hear about people testing positive after getting vaccinated. That is no cause for alarm. It is to be expected, though relatively rarely.
Since those vaccinated can contract the virus and may or may not have symptoms, it is also possible for them to transmit it to unvaccinated others. There is some debate about how often this happens, but there appears to be no debate that it can happen. Once vaccinated, to protect others around, it will be necessary to continue to wear a mask. This is especially so if some in our bubble are not vaccinated.
Given questions about availability, questions about COVID, and concerns about vaccination, it is possible that less than half of the population in most places will get vaccinated by the end of 2021. If vaccination reaches that level, the virus spread will slow down considerably reducing the pressure on healthcare, education, and employment. But masks and social distancing will continue to be necessary to protect the unprotected many! No change there.
We can hope for one change in 2021 for a family or a group where everyone is vaccinated. Probably they can travel, gather, and party like there was no pandemic!
