The longer people put off getting their COVID-19 vaccine, the longer the virus will be able to wreak havoc.
That’s according to Michelle Patterson, an R.N. and Clinical Coordinator at the University of Saskatchewan who has some advice for those who are hesitant to get their shot.
She says the best thing you can do if you have concerns is talk to someone who can share scientific , evidence-based information.
Patterson says waiting for herd immunity is not the answer because you need a large percentage of the population to have been vaccinated from all age categories.
Also, there are a higher level of older adults getting the shot and lower levels of younger adults so there may be herd immunity among the older population, but not overall.
Vaccine hesitancy isn’t new.
Patterson wonders if it’s because normally when you are prescribed a medication, the doctor doesn’t list all of the rare side effects, but when you are vaccinated, that list is reviewed.
Vaccine technology is not new and Patterson hopes people will feel comfortable knowing the science is decades old, well researched and many trials go into all vaccines.

For those that believe the vaccine is a tracking mechanism for some government entity, Patterson says it would be impossible because the vaccines come in multi-dose vials, so it would be impossible to have a tracking device specifically for one person in any shot.
For any concerns about vaccines, Patterson reiterates to talk to a trusted healthcare professional.