May I propose another solution?

Controversy and conspiracy continue to shadow COVID-19 policies of many organizations. Despite decisions being thoughtfully considered and evidence-driven, the divide witnessed in our community and nation continues to widen. Most recently, hotly debated topics were discussed at our local school board; “Our Children;” “Their future;” and “Their childhoods.” The stresses COVID-19 placed on our children were highlighted, but the decisions of the parents and the adults of our community were somehow left out of the equation. This is where another solution is possible … .

Let’s take our children out of the equation.

We have at our fingertips access to one of the most effective vaccines that has ever been created. And it has been approved for adults. We as adults, as parents and grandparents, can greatly diminish or end this pandemic. Yet, we continue to see vaccination rates in the 40-50% range. Despite good evidence, showing safety and incredible efficacy, we are seeing very disappointing refusal rates.

Considering the next school year, what will place stress on our children? Masks? Quarantines? Social distancing? Limited capacity at sporting events? These safety measures are meant to help limit the spread in a community where widespread transmission has been established. What is the best intervention to help tame and stop widespread transmission? Vaccination. The proof is undeniable in the history of infectious disease (smallpox, polio, measles, influenza, the list goes on and on).

The consensus seems that “this is over and done.” I can assure you that people are still being affected and families are still suffering unbearable loss. We may be going through a lull now, but if not dealt with, we may see a resurgence.

Consider recent COVID-19 statistics. Greater than 97% of hospitalizations in Montana are unvaccinated people. Nationwide, greater than 99% of all deaths are among unvaccinated people. This has become a preventable disease with preventable deaths. It makes no sense that the calls to “end this pandemic” grow louder each day, yet we continue to reject the vaccines that can finish this pandemic off.

It is my humble opinion that this responsibility falls upon the adult population. We have the ability to protect our children. We have the ability to take the risk (instead of our children). We have the scientific advancements to end masks and social distancing. And most importantly, We have the responsibility to fight this for our family and friends.

Although our hospitalization rate has decreased and the health system is not in threat of being overrun, I can assure you that the pain and suffering to our brethren is still there. The stress on our health care team is still there. Help us end this pandemic. Help us get back to normal. Help us end the suffering.

There is no question that COVID-19 has uprooted our lives over the past 18 months. Right now, we have an opportunity to safely return to a normal school year. We have any opportunity to safely return to life as usual. The personal benefits of vaccination are safe and proven and we owe it to our children to do everything at our disposal to provide them a safe and secure return to school, and a non-pandemic childhood. The ask is simple. Get vaccinated. Thank You.

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Kevin Harada

Chief of staff

Northern Montana Health Care