The unvaccinated rate in the tri-counties is below every state in the union

You will notice from the content of this page that we are very serious about the effects of Covid-19 and what everybody should be doing to protect us during this pandemic.

Don Estep is publisher of the News Journal.

Sen. Mitch McConnell said, “Let’s put the opinion business aside. 97% of the people in the hospital now are unvaccinated. That’s not opinion. That’s a fact.”

A couple of weeks ago I wrote in this space a similar article and I was bombarded with the harshest and most critical response I have ever received from one of my columns. Thankfully, I also received many comments that agreed with what I wrote.

I am aware that all the facts in the world will not change some of the opinions for many of our citizens. But until a greater number of people get vaccinated or wear masks, Covid-19 will take its toll. As one physician stated, “Sooner or later it will get you.”

Let’s look at a fact. The vaccination rate in the tri-county area is lower than the average rate in every state in the union including Kentucky which stands at 47.6% vaccinated with two shots. The rate for Whitley Co. is 38.3% and for Laurel Co. it is 36% followed by Knox Co. at 31%.

As the number of those infected grow worse we are more concerned about young people and hopefully a vaccine will be coming soon for those 12 and under.

Us old folks have done pretty good with vaccinations. About 95% of those over 65 years of age have been vaccinated according to what I have read.

When will it end? Never if more people deny what doctors and scientists advise us that we should be doing to make it end.

Hospital beds are full of Covid patients. Hospital staffs are being overworked. People who need surgery for other problems are being denied admittance because of Covid patients.

I read this in the Washington Post. “We are struggling to regain a sense of normalcy–and eager to resume living life without social distancing and shutdowns. The single most powerful weapon to help end the pandemic is at our fingertips: the amazingly effective coronavirus vaccines that have been given to almost 200 millions Americans with limited side effects or complications. Americans must heed the call to get vaccinated. We must do this for ourselves, for our children, who are too young to be vaccinated, and for our neighbors who may not be able to access medical care for other conditions as hospitals deal with the waves of unvaccinated patients.”

For the life of me I don’t understand why, except for a medical condition, a person would not rush to get vaccinated. Yet look at the pathetic numbers here in the tri-county area.

I expect the usual response from the anti-vaccine crowd but their excuses are not valid. Surveys show that the vaccinated people are getting more upset, angry if you please, with the unvaccinated people. Vaccinated people don’t like the idea that the unvaccinated are threatening everyone’s health.

This week I turn 82 years of age. I’m not so concerned about myself, but rather it is my wife, my children, my grandchildren, my friends, caretakers, that makes me want this horrible virus to go away. It will not go away without your help!