It became apparent as the clock struck midnight on Dec. 31 that pandemic protocols such as face masks and social distancing aren’t going to magically disappear in 2021, but with the vaccine becoming more available people are left wondering how long until we begin the shift back to normalcy. Brad Parker says, “I think there will be a period that things will get worse before they get better, but we are on the right path. My prediction is that we will start to see a return to normalcy by mid-summer.”
There are still many mysteries that remain about the vaccine, and because the vaccine falls short of 100 percent effective and won’t be in widespread distribution for a while, maintaining social distancing and wearing masks may be required well into 2021. For instance, scientists aren’t sure how long the protection will last. Will protection fade, requiring annual shots as with the flu, or will it last for years?
Not only is making vaccines a complicated process, but so is distributing them. Even if there is an ample vaccine supply, manufacturers will still need adequate supplies of syringes and glass bottles. Also adding to the complexity is the fact that the vaccine must be shipped and stored at very low temperatures.
Some are asking if the vaccine will be mandatory. In general, some employers may have the power to require vaccinations, but they will face limits set by civil rights. While schools require students to get vaccinations against a range of illnesses, a school-age COVID vaccine mandate is unlikely because the vaccine hasn’t been fully tested on children.
Within 48 hours of the first people receiving the Pfizer vaccine, anti-vaxxers launched a deliberate campaign against the vaccine with stories of allergic reactions and claims about some who had received thee vaccine and supposedly died. With experts encouraging that a level of herd immunity must be achieved to make COVID a part of our past and not a persistent part of our present, this debate comes down to protecting a person’s personal decision and protecting society as a whole.
Health experts have been encouraging everyone to get their flu shots this year. In doing so, it can help the health care system from becoming overstressed and keep beds open for those with the coronavirus. Brad says, “I got my flu shot back in October. For selfish reasons, I don’t want to get the flu or COVID or both at the same time. We all need to do what we can to work together to get control of the virus and resume life as close to normal as we know it.”
Have You Been Injured In A Texas Accident?
If you’ve been injured you need to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible. Contact us online or call our Bedford, Texas office directly at 817.440.3888 to schedule your free, no obligation consultation. We help personal injury clients throughout Dallas, Fort Worth, Arlington as well as all areas of Texas.
At Parker Law Firm, our experienced personal injury lawyers believe people matter. We are committed to our clients, not case numbers, and we believe in the power of the civil justice system. With years spent both representing accident victims and participating in the state legislative process, our founder, Brad Parker, has developed a deep understanding of the law and gained unique experience that helps him get results for his clients.
