I also notice that there is a large part of me that thinks, once it’s easily and widely available, you know what? Straight up, just f*** ’em if they don’t want the vaccine.
This is how I was planning to act at that point, and basically as soon as I’m able to get an official vaccine. Once it’s readily available I’ll feel no guilt about continued cases (assuming no major vaccine escape, that would be a different story). Even once I’ve gotten the official vaccine, I’ll want to propagate the norm that vaccinated people should live their lives as if they were, you know, vaccinated, so I intend to act that way, unless there’s a reason I’m not considering.
The loss of life and health of innocent people who got suckered into a political issue without considering the ramifications?
I mean, the group of people who holds out on getting a vaccine as long as possible will definitely be harder to convince than the average citizen. But with these numbers (death rate, long term health conditions, effectiveness of vaccines) around are you seriously suggesting trying to help them is not cost-effective? From the post I think you’re talking about tens of millions of people in the USA alone, if not 100M+.
The loss of life and health of innocent people who got suckered into a political issue without considering the ramifications?
By now, everyone has had a year to consider the ramifications of their decisions. People are free to make their own choices about the vaccine and their response to covid in general. If they make their choices based on their political affiliation or in-group signaling, so be it.
But with these numbers (death rate, long term health conditions, effectiveness of vaccines) around are you seriously suggesting trying to help them is not cost-effective?
I am seriously suggesting it is not cost-effective for me to try to influence others to get the vaccine. Most of the people I know have either already decided to get the vaccine at their first opportunity, or decided they will never get it. In November/December, as the vaccines were starting to get approved, I had some discussions with my few friends who I thought might be on the fence, but they weren’t moved much by my arguments. I don’t actually think I know anyone that I could convince at this point.
This is how I was planning to act at that point, and basically as soon as I’m able to get an official vaccine. Once it’s readily available I’ll feel no guilt about continued cases (assuming no major vaccine escape, that would be a different story). Even once I’ve gotten the official vaccine, I’ll want to propagate the norm that vaccinated people should live their lives as if they were, you know, vaccinated, so I intend to act that way, unless there’s a reason I’m not considering.
The loss of life and health of innocent people who got suckered into a political issue without considering the ramifications?
I mean, the group of people who holds out on getting a vaccine as long as possible will definitely be harder to convince than the average citizen. But with these numbers (death rate, long term health conditions, effectiveness of vaccines) around are you seriously suggesting trying to help them is not cost-effective? From the post I think you’re talking about tens of millions of people in the USA alone, if not 100M+.
Help them by living your life and demonstrating the advantages of vaccination.
What actions are you advocating instead of that?
By now, everyone has had a year to consider the ramifications of their decisions. People are free to make their own choices about the vaccine and their response to covid in general. If they make their choices based on their political affiliation or in-group signaling, so be it.
I am seriously suggesting it is not cost-effective for me to try to influence others to get the vaccine. Most of the people I know have either already decided to get the vaccine at their first opportunity, or decided they will never get it. In November/December, as the vaccines were starting to get approved, I had some discussions with my few friends who I thought might be on the fence, but they weren’t moved much by my arguments. I don’t actually think I know anyone that I could convince at this point.
On a population level, I agree it is worthwhile and most likely cost-effective to continue to encourage people to get vaccinated. But that is almost entirely beyond my ability to influence. And I reject any blame for observing this situation and commenting on it without completely fixing it.
Trying to help them how? Education? Financial incentives to vaccinate? Social disincentives to hold out?
At least some forms of trying will not be cost-effective.