The guest commentary in the Jan. 24 Catholic Virginian provided selected statements without context to make the argument that COVID-19 vaccines are not effective or safe. My premise, as a physician, transcends this specific COVID-19 topic and is very simple: Be an educated consumer of medical information and honestly seek the best data and counsel when making decisions about your health.
We all have a responsibility to think about the validity of information we receive before making value assessments or taking action based upon it. This is particularly relevant for decisions where accurately evaluating the risks of an action or inaction could determine whether you live or die.
Look for reliable and trusted sources, ask questions, think critically and understand the assumptions or limitations associated with data. Find trusted health professionals who are able to explain the best available information and risks for all of your options. Consider motives for why something might be presented in a certain way.
Please do not listen to sources that present partial data to draw conclusions which the data as a whole does not support. Take the time to research all of the information on vaccines from a respected source such as the CDC, the Virginia Department of Health or the Mayo Clinic.
To be clear, there are risks associated with taking and not taking the COVID-19 vaccine. If your ultimate goal is to avoid serious illness and death, however, the data is unambiguous that the risk of taking the vaccine is significantly smaller than choosing to remain unvaccinated.
The same commentary also stated that coercion in any form, with the example being encouragement or mandates for COVID-19 vaccines, destroys free will and thus precludes valid medical informed consent. This statement deserves further examination as the implications across our society and faith are significant.
Is this to mean that any medical treatment or evaluation somebody receives which has an associated law, statute, regulation or requirement from any source prevents the possibility of free will or valid informed consent? When we encourage family members and loved ones to do anything medically related, is that any different?
Public health regulations or laws in general, which decrease risk to the population as a whole, form the basis for a safe and orderly functioning society. It would be unethical, and highly unpleasant, to have a lawless community in this regard with no such standards.
Should we abolish laws on drunk driving, weapons in schools or requirements to have children in car seats? These all diminish risk and harm to the population yet also limit free will in some way.
Our faith is built upon social justice in seeking the common good, the protection of vulnerable populations and love of others — this was the very core of Jesus’ message. The COVID-19 vaccine is a means to decrease risk in our society, an opportunity to act in the best interest of our community and to limit unnecessary illness and suffering.
Of course you still have the free will to choose. But that choice should be one based on thoughtful and honest consideration of the risks and a full understanding of the implications for yourself, loved ones and your community.
Dr. Erpenbach is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, a radiologist and a member of the Catholic community in Virginia Beach.