President Nelson Receives Covid Vaccine

[pogi]

https://www.ksl.com/article/50090481/president-nelson-and-other-eligible-latter-day-saint-leaders-receive-covid-19-vaccine

Quote

"We are thankful for the countless individuals who performed the work required to make this possible," President Nelson, who is 96, wrote in a tweet. "We have prayed for this literal godsend. 

I hope this endorsement of the vaccine by the prophet, calling it a "literal godsend" brought on by the prayers of the brethren, will help inspire our members (at least) to get vaccinated.

I am curious if this helps ease the minds of any who may have been hesitant about the vaccine previously.  Are there any here that would like to share where they stand?

I found this to be impactful as well:

Quote

Receiving the vaccine is part of our personal efforts to be good global citizens.

  

[bluebell]

I hope it does, though Pres. Nelson's advocating for vaccines in general has had no impact on the anti-vaxxer members that I'm aware of.  I would guess that there are plenty of members mad that he is trying to get people to be vaccinated.

Edited January 19, 2021 by bluebell

[Raingirl]

3 minutes ago, bluebell said:

I hope it does, though Pres. Nelson's advocating for vaccines in general has had no impact on the anti-vaxxer members that I'm aware of.  I would guess that there are plenty of members mad that he is trying to get people to be vaccinated.

I’m disturbed by the number of comments by members on social media who are criticizing President Nelson and stating that they’re not going to get the vaccine, and posting all kinds of false information. 

He’s the prophet and a physician. If someone is not going to trust him , who are they going to trust?

[LoudmouthMormon]

https://www.facebook.com/russell.m.nelson/photos/a.607086232692150/3650726764994733

Quote

With approval from our physician, my wife, Wendy, and I were vaccinated today against COVID-19. We are very grateful. This was the first week either of us was eligible to receive the vaccine. We are thankful for the countless doctors, scientists, researchers, manufacturers, government leaders, and others who have performed the grueling work required to make this vaccine available. We have prayed often for this literal godsend.

As a former surgeon and medical researcher, I know something of the effort needed to accomplish such a remarkable feat. Producing a safe, effective vaccine in less than a year is nothing short of miraculous. I was a young surgeon when, in 1953, Dr. Jonas Salk announced that he had developed a vaccine against the cruel and crippling disease of polio. I then watched the dramatic impact that vaccine had on eradicating polio as most people around the world were vaccinated.

For generations, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated considerable resources to making vaccinations available for people in developing countries. Vaccinations have helped to eliminate diseases such as diphtheria and smallpox. My professional and ecclesiastical experiences convince me that vaccinations administered by competent medical professionals protect health and preserve life.

Receiving the vaccine today was part of our personal efforts to be good global citizens in helping to eliminate COVID-19 from the world.

 

[bluebell]

1 minute ago, Raingirl said:

He’s the prophet and a physician. If someone is not going to trust him , who are they going to trust?

It's a good question.  It sounds like they are going to trust those who are telling them what they want to hear.

[pogi]

15 minutes ago, bluebell said:

I hope it does, though Pres. Nelson's advocating for vaccines in general has had no impact on the anti-vaxxer members that I'm aware of.  I would guess that there are plenty of members mad that he is trying to get people to be vaccinated.

I agree.  Many anti-vaxers seem to be too indoctrinated to be set straight by even the prophet.  I don't hold out much hope for them.  My own mother is one of them.  No way in heck will she ever be receiving this vaccine.  

I think there are many in the general public who may not be anti-vaxers per se, but who are hesitant about this particular vaccine.  I hope President Nelson's words will have some effect on them.   I honestly understand their hesitation, as I have shared my own on this board previously.  After weighing all the evidence and researching the vaccines carefully, and feeling like this is really our only hope out of the mess we are in, I felt inspired to lay my hesitations aside and trust the data which we have so far and lead as an example as a public health nurse.  It would almost be immoral of me to be encouraging and administering a vaccine that I didn't trust enough myself to receive.   

 

[MiserereNobis]

Good for President Nelson!

Pope Francis and the Pope Emeritus both received their first dose a couple of days ago. Pope Francis said it is "an ethical action, because you are gambling with your health, you are gambling with your life, but you are also gambling with the lives of others.”

[pogi]

18 minutes ago, Raingirl said:

I’m disturbed by the number of comments by members on social media who are criticizing President Nelson and stating that they’re not going to get the vaccine, and posting all kinds of false information. 

Ugh, that is disheartening. 

[pogi]

I wish I was there!   These are my peeps/co-workers administering the vaccines.  The first one is my supervisor giving the vaccine to Elder Holland.  Jealous!!!  Sorry for the small thumbnails. 

 

 

 

[CV75]

1 hour ago, pogi said:

https://www.ksl.com/article/50090481/president-nelson-and-other-eligible-latter-day-saint-leaders-receive-covid-19-vaccine

I hope this endorsement of the vaccine by the prophet, calling it a "literal godsend" brought on by the prayers of the brethren, will help inspire our members (at least) to get vaccinated.

I am curious if this helps ease the minds of any who may have been hesitant about the vaccine previously.  Are there any here that would like to share where they stand?

I found this to be impactful as well:

I'm all for vaccines -- I am volunteering for the COVID-19 vaccination events.

The only way you can get someone to change their mind about vaccines is to be a good example, as President Nelson is. It requires developing good relationships of trust with those who believe differently to the point that good one-on-one conversations can be had.

[Calm]

1 hour ago, bluebell said:

It's a good question.  It sounds like they are going to trust those who are telling them what they want to hear.

But why do they want to hear that is my question. 

[rongo]

2 hours ago, pogi said:

I am curious if this helps ease the minds of any who may have been hesitant about the vaccine previously.  Are there any here that would like to share where they stand?  

My family and I are not anti-vaxxers (we serve missions and attend school, including college, after all, so we have to have up-to-date vaccines), but we will not be getting the Covid vaccine. We all had it starting on December 21st, for one thing. My wife and the two boys at home completely lost their taste and smell, and it was fun experimenting with that. They couldn't taste or smell anything, not even cut onions. I had a bad outbreak of hives, which is a more rare possible symptom, I came to learn. My daughter had no symptoms whatsover. My wife and the boys had no symptoms other than the loss of taste and smell (which returned). We knew we had it based on this, but I ended up taking my wife to the ER for something unrelated (I had posted about that elsewhere). The contact tracing from the ER (unsurprisingly, she was positive) didn't come back until almost three weeks later, by which time everyone was completely better (including restoration of taste and smell).

So, we have the natural equivalent of the vaccine, anyway. Since no one knows how long the vaccines last yet, anyway, it's probably that natural exposure immunity lasts at least as long, right? 

42 minutes ago, Calm said:

But why do they want to hear that is my question. 

I think most people who don't want a vaccine are relying in large part on their own personal experience, and the experience of their extended network of acquaintances. At the same time that our family got it, our ward, stake, town, and larger area was also getting it in spades. No one we personally know or have even heard of, second or third-hand, has had it bad. We know that it can be bad for some, and that it's a real thing, but experientially, there is no urgency in vaccinating. It was fascinating how it ripped through our ward and extended family in a 2-3 week period. We were all getting it at the same time. 

In short, many people's personal and 2nd/3rd hand experience doesn't support hysteria, even with news reports, public service announcements, etc. It's pretty hard to overcome that. 

Our son told us that the 23 deaths from the Pfizer vaccine are a really hot topic in Norway. He said that the lockdown of a few weeks ago is history, at least above the Arctic Circle where he is. People are much more hesitant to have the vaccine there, as you might imagine. 

[CV75]

32 minutes ago, Calm said:

But why do they want to hear that is my question. 

I think it is because it easier/more efficient, especially when they are stressed (depressed, anxious, etc.) and unconsciously stick with biases (the biases themselves often unconscious) that have protected them in the past. Epiphanies often don't come until we are at the end of our rope, at rock-bottom, have failed in some major way, etc. which most people avoid at all costs, even through denial. People who have been in survival or compensatory mode most of their lives are probably more susceptible to hearing what they want to hear and fearing betrayal.

[bluebell]

41 minutes ago, Calm said:

But why do they want to hear that is my question. 

I don't want to speak for anyone but from my perspective it's a few things that boil down to one thing--control. 

First, faith needs to be more important than science because that means they are in control of physical outcomes (they have control over their faith but none over science, which makes them feel out of control).

Second,  everything that is needed for health is available to them personally and intimately, which again means they can control it to an extent. 

Third, Their faith and everything that they have at their personal disposal (essential oils, energy healings, etc. ) means that they are in control of their health and the health of everyone they love.  Everything is curable and there are no medical conditions that can't be fixed (something science cannot promise but something that provides a sense of control again).

I think that a lot of people who go this route do so because they've been let down by the medical establishment in the past (especially people who have chronic conditions that are difficult to treat or even get a doctor to understand) and they are looking for some relief.  But that relief if found then becomes almost dogmatic.  It's more than medical help it's ideological.

And, it seems like the people that go this route to the extreme are also easily taken in by conspiracy theories and "the evils of Big Pharma" is a big conspiracy theory a lot of people are very invested in.

[strappinglad]

Meanwhile, in my area , the vaccine has stopped coming as Pfizer is remodeling their factory. I don't expect to see a vaccine until August+

[CV75]

16 minutes ago, rongo said:

My family and I are not anti-vaxxers (we serve missions and attend school, including college, after all, so we have to have up-to-date vaccines), but we will not be getting the Covid vaccine. We all had it starting on December 21st, for one thing. My wife and the two boys at home completely lost their taste and smell, and it was fun experimenting with that. They couldn't taste or smell anything, not even cut onions. I had a bad outbreak of hives, which is a more rare possible symptom, I came to learn. My daughter had no symptoms whatsover. My wife and the boys had no symptoms other than the loss of taste and smell (which returned). We knew we had it based on this, but I ended up taking my wife to the ER for something unrelated (I had posted about that elsewhere). The contact tracing from the ER (unsurprisingly, she was positive) didn't come back until almost three weeks later, by which time everyone was completely better (including restoration of taste and smell).

So, we have the natural equivalent of the vaccine, anyway. Since no one knows how long the vaccines last yet, anyway, it's probably that natural exposure immunity lasts at least as long, right? 

I think most people who don't want a vaccine are relying in large part on their own personal experience, and the experience of their extended network of acquaintances. At the same time that our family got it, our ward, stake, town, and larger area was also getting it in spades. No one we personally know or have even heard of, second or third-hand, has had it bad. We know that it can be bad for some, and that it's a real thing, but experientially, there is no urgency in vaccinating. It was fascinating how it ripped through our ward and extended family in a 2-3 week period. We were all getting it at the same time. 

In short, many people's personal and 2nd/3rd hand experience doesn't support hysteria, even with news reports, public service announcements, etc. It's pretty hard to overcome that. 

Our son told us that the 23 deaths from the Pfizer vaccine are a really hot topic in Norway. He said that the lockdown of a few weeks ago is history, at least above the Arctic Circle where he is. People are much more hesitant to have the vaccine there, as you might imagine. 

Please check with your health department -- it would probably be recommended you get vaccinated if for nothing else to level out the variability in your personal immune response (ETA: It is not known how long individual natural immunity lasts). You seem young enough to have to wait in the queue a bit longer, anyway.

One reason to get a vaccine for something that doesn't seem all that deadly is that it might still protect those (even if relatively few) who are at a much higher risk than you or those in your customary circle. For the relatively short time it takes, it can save a life or two. ETA: This is not because it prevents you from sharing virus, but by preventing or reducing your own symptoms, you reduce the volume of exposure you contribute.

Edited January 19, 2021 by CV75

[CV75]

1 minute ago, strappinglad said:

Meanwhile, in my area , the vaccine has stopped coming as Pfizer is remodeling their factory. I don't expect to see a vaccine until August+

Certainly a lot of bumps in the road!

[pogi]

1 hour ago, rongo said:

So, we have the natural equivalent of the vaccine, anyway. Since no one knows how long the vaccines last yet, anyway, it's probably that natural exposure immunity lasts at least as long, right? 

Yes, you should be good to go for at least 3 months with natural immunity.  After that, your immunity may wane and it would be a good time to consider the vaccine.  I just had a second positive case today who was infected initially in August. 

It is not safe to say that natural immunity lasts at least as long or is better than a vaccine.  There are several exceptions including HPV, Hib, and Pneumonia.  The natural immunity from Covid seems to be fairly weak.  The new type of vaccine used in Covid (mRNA) may very well give better long-term protection.  We simply don't know yet.

1 hour ago, rongo said:

I think most people who don't want a vaccine are relying in large part on their own personal experience, and the experience of their extended network of acquaintances. At the same time that our family got it, our ward, stake, town, and larger area was also getting it in spades. No one we personally know or have even heard of, second or third-hand, has had it bad. We know that it can be bad for some, and that it's a real thing, but experientially, there is no urgency in vaccinating. It was fascinating how it ripped through our ward and extended family in a 2-3 week period. We were all getting it at the same time. 

In short, many people's personal and 2nd/3rd hand experience doesn't support hysteria, even with news reports, public service announcements, etc. It's pretty hard to overcome that. 

Our son told us that the 23 deaths from the Pfizer vaccine are a really hot topic in Norway. He said that the lockdown of a few weeks ago is history, at least above the Arctic Circle where he is. People are much more hesitant to have the vaccine there, as you might imagine. 

Unfortunately, the numbers and all of the Infectious disease and medical agencies back up much of the real concern about Covid.  Cities all over are being overwhelmed with hospitalizations and death as we speak.  Haven't seen that with varicella or diptheria before, yet we all vaccinate our kids for these.  The new CDC director says we will be at half a million deaths in the US by mid February.  Speaking of the 23 deaths from Pfizer, we have seen more that 23 deaths in a single day in Utah alone  (almost daily on occasion) from Covid, so when we compare risk to benefit of the vaccine, it is incomparable.   That is absolutely insane considering Covid wasn't even a thing less than 1 year ago.    I understand the lack of personal urgency given your symptoms, but when you consider why you vaccinate your kids for chickenpox or hep A, etc.  despite the lack of urgency, that might help you reconsider why we vaccinate.  Covid is FAR more deadly and concerning than either of these diseases, and causes far greater morbidity and hospitalizations than the vaccine and I would suggest the urgency is far greater on the community level.  The urgency on a community and even on a personal level, I would suggest, should be far greater than any other vaccine.    

To arouse a sense of personal urgency, while you dismiss your symptom of rash as not urgent, it is actually a very concerning symptom and a VERY good reason for you to consider vaccination in the future.  A rash from Covid is caused by abnormal blood clotting in your smaller blood vessels. You are lucky it didn't develop into a clot in a larger blood vessel (stroke!).   This simply can't be ruled out in the future.  It happens to young healthy people with Covid.  The fact that you have a history of clotting from Covid would personally give me all the urgency I needed to be vaccinated in the future.  

How many people do you know have had serious or even life threatening infections from Varicella, Hep A, diphtheria, polio, etc.?  How many of these diseases are destroying our economy and keeping people home from work due to infection or even exposure?  Yet we all get vaccinated because we understand the concept of herd immunity despite the relatively low risk these disease pose to us right now.  I would suggest that the urgency on the community level is far greater than anything else we are vaccinating for routinely right now.   If for no other reason get it to avoid being placed on quarantine or isolation after exposure to the virus in the future.   The vaccine will keep people working.  That is good motivation to be vaccinated.  It has potential to save our economy if we let it.  But that will only happen if we start thinking on a community level.

As President Nelson said:

Quote

Receiving the vaccine is part of our personal efforts to be good global citizens.

More than anything, I am concerned about the more vulnerable populations being vaccinated, but this virus is FAR too unpredictable to suggest that young healthy people are safe.  Unfortunately, many of them are filling our hospitals.  They are not fake people, I speak with them everyday.  Simply because we don't see it first or second hand, doesn't mean it is not real.  You will see it eventually, that is a guarantee if vaccinations are not widely adopted by the community.  Keep in mind, it has only been around less than a year.

They are talking about making Covid vaccination a requirement for travel.  It will be similar to Yellow Fever where you have to have a stamped vaccination card to be allowed to travel.  Another good reason to get vaccinated, if that actually happens, which I suspect it will. 

 

Edited January 19, 2021 by pogi

[BlueDreams]

3 hours ago, pogi said:

https://www.ksl.com/article/50090481/president-nelson-and-other-eligible-latter-day-saint-leaders-receive-covid-19-vaccine

I hope this endorsement of the vaccine by the prophet, calling it a "literal godsend" brought on by the prayers of the brethren, will help inspire our members (at least) to get vaccinated.

I am curious if this helps ease the minds of any who may have been hesitant about the vaccine previously.  Are there any here that would like to share where they stand?

I found this to be impactful as well:

  

Got my first one last week and need to schedule for the booster. So obviously I'm for it! (in UT at least, mental health therapists were considered essential and allowed to sign up after certain medical staff in the first wave). 

For the record, there's been no side-effects. My arm definitely hurt the day after (like someone punched me) and I felt a little like when you're just starting a cold. No regrets.  

I definitely believe it's a miracle and a blessing. 

Edit: for the record, I got the moderna vaccine

With luv,

BD

Edited January 19, 2021 by BlueDreams

[Calm]

I am just ticked off they aren’t giving it to university staff and professors given college kids spread it as much or more than k-12 and they are holding in person classes now. 

[Hamba Tuhan]

I have a family member who lives in America and married a crazy Latter-day Saint woman there. Just a few minutes ago, she literally posted on Facebook that the vaccine will make women infertile and also contains software allowing the Department of Defence and Bill Gates (I told you she's crazy!) to track recipients for at least two years.

I commented on the post by sharing Pres Nelson's post. Her immediate response: 'I know. It makes me so sad'.

So yeah, some minds simply can't be changed.

ETA: I now see that one of her sources of 'information' has just been arrested in connection with the recent riot at the US Capitol.

Note to myself: There are far worse things than being single ...

Edited January 20, 2021 by Hamba Tuhan

[BlueDreams]

1 hour ago, Hamba Tuhan said:

I have a family member who lives in America and married a crazy Latter-day Saint woman there. Just a few minutes ago, she literally posted on Facebook that the vaccine will make women infertile and also contains software allowing the Department of Defence and Bill Gates (I told you she's crazy!) to track recipients for at least two years.

I commented on the post by sharing Pres Nelson's post. Her immediate response: 'I know. It makes me so sad'.

So yeah, some minds simply can't be changed.

ETA: I now see that one of her sources of 'information' has just been arrested in connection with the recent riot at the US Capitol.

Note to myself: There are far worse things than being single ...

Yeah, I have a group on FB with a bunch of preggo ladies from when I was preggo and it was rife with misinformation. It was astounding, even though I know there were a disproportionate number who were vax-skeptical on a good day, it was still crazy to me. One lady said she’d gotten sick with severe covid, was hospitalized, got pneumonia and was STILL more leery about the vaccine. 

[The Nehor]

6 hours ago, Raingirl said:

I’m disturbed by the number of comments by members on social media who are criticizing President Nelson and stating that they’re not going to get the vaccine, and posting all kinds of false information. 

He’s the prophet and a physician. If someone is not going to trust him , who are they going to trust?

Probably a failed businessman or reality TV host or something stupid like that.

[Hamba Tuhan]

2 minutes ago, The Nehor said:

Probably a failed businessman or reality TV host or something stupid like that.

I wish it were that simple! The Capitol rioter that my family member's crazy wife is following right now holds degrees in medicine and law ... 

[Peacefully]

Our RS Pres husband just passed from Covid. My aunt just passed - probably complications of Covid. My manager’s mother just passed from Covid. These were just in the last two weeks. I also had a former neighbor who passed from Covid a few months ago. You can bet my husband and I jumped at the chance to get the vaccine even though the new technology made me anxious. I am so thankful for President Nelson’s example. 

Edited January 20, 2021 by Peacefully