FEAR & THE COVID VACCINE
SHOULD CHRISTIANS GET THE CORONAVIRUS VACCINE WHEN IT IS AVAILABLE?
Key Facts
Generally, Christians have been in favor of vaccinations throughout their history. Notable Christian scientists were pioneers in the discovery of the practice of vaccination, including Edward Jenner who created the smallpox vaccine -the world’s first vaccine. For these achievements he is known as the father of immunology and was a dedicated Christian man. [1]
Less than half of Americans say they will get the COVID-19 vaccine if one is approved by the government and becomes widely available. [2]
Key Scriptures
2 Timothy 1:7 “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment.”
Proverbs 12:15 “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice.”
Proverbs 1:5 “Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,”
3 John 1:2 “Beloved, I pray that all may go well with you and that you may be in good health, as it goes well with your soul.”
Application
Christian support for vaccines has a longstanding history. In recent years, skepticism towards vaccines has grown and infiltrated Christian and non-Christian groups alike. In the early 2000s, celebrities began speaking out against vaccines and the negative effects they believed the vaccines had on their children. The anti-vax movement (as it is commonly referred to) has continued to grow during the Coronavirus pandemic as health leaders have sought to develop a vaccine for COVID-19. Even those who are generally “pro-vaccine” have concerns about the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine and its short trial period. Due to these concerns, many say that they will wait to receive the vaccine or will not get it at all. [3]
What does the Bible say about vaccines?
Not surprisingly, the Bible doesn’t address vaccines specifically. However, there are a few guiding principles from the Scriptures that can assist us as we think through the upcoming COVID-19 vaccine.
First, it is wise to listen to advice and seek knowledge from experts (Prov. 12:15; Prov. 18:15). When the vaccine comes to market, experts will be discussing its safety and risks. We can use this opportunity to learn from each other, especially those with expertise on the subjects of vaccination and COVID-19. While not infallible (Mark 5:26), doctors and physicians have dedicated their lives to studying the area of medicine, and humbly listening to the knowledge of others is wise when considering a decision.
Second, Christians should consider all the information with a sound mind and not make hasty or fearful decisions (2 Tim. 1:7; Prov. 19:2). Sometimes it can be difficult to see both sides of an issue clearly, especially when there is fear involved. It is important that Christians do their best to recognize their own fears and ensure that they aren’t basing their decisions on them.
Third, our motivations should reflect a high value of others and not be a result of selfish ambitions (Phil. 2:3-4). As we consider the risks and the benefits of a COVID-19 vaccine, the goal of the Christian should be to discover the safest and best solution for all. Christians may come to differing conclusions and applications, but the heart of every Christian should be to serve and love others (John 13:34; Matt. 20:28).
Are vaccines dangerous?
Generally speaking, vaccines are very safe. The creation of a vaccine is very controlled and involves an incredible number of precautions. Clinical trials are a crucial part of the vaccine process and are conducted on volunteers to ensure the safety of the vaccine for the general population. [4] Even after the vaccines are in use, the CDC continues to monitor possible side effects to ensure that they are safe for the public. [5] Most side effects from vaccines, if a person experiences any at all, are minor and temporary, such as a sore arm or mild fever. [6] In addition, they often offer 85-95% protection from the disease the child is vaccinated for. [7] All vaccines have risks. However, the risks are generally very small and outweigh the risk of the disease the person is being vaccinated for.
While more serious risks like anaphylactic shock and death immediately following a vaccine are incredibly low, there is a higher risk (although still very low) of other serious side effects. For example, in the days following the admission of the measles rubella vaccine, MMR, the child has a 1 in 3000 risk of developing febrile seizures. [8] For certain individuals these risks may be higher. It is important to learn about these risks and their relations to one’s health problems in order to determine the best route for a person with regard to the risk versus the benefit. The benefits of vaccines can be much greater than their risk in many cases, but this does not mean that there is no risk. We must weigh all of these things and assess the dangers of vaccines as well as consider their lasting benefits.
Are they cutting corners with the COVID-19 vaccine?
Researchers are being very intentional to avoid cutting corners with the COVID-19 vaccine. They are able to speed up the process by running multiple steps at once. In the production of other vaccines, researchers test safety and efficacy in succession. Then, they would normally begin the manufacturing process only after the vaccine is approved. However, with the COVID-19 vaccine, their financial investment is so large that they are able to run all three of these steps simultaneously. If the safety or efficacy test fails then the manufactured vaccines are discarded. This increases financial risk, but not product risk. [9] The production of this vaccine differs only in speed of production and adheres to all the safety standards of usual vaccine production.
The researchers are attempting to shorten the vaccine production time without cutting corners, but some areas of vaccine research benefit from longer term studies and even first years on the market. The long term effects of the vaccine cannot be measured without long term studies and monitoring. The first years a vaccine is on the market are usually very safe. However, the manufacturers and researchers can benefit from monitoring the adverse events in public health related to the vaccine.
Conclusion
With the information available, it appears that the safety requirements for vaccinations to make it to market are quite strict. Due to these regulations, it is very likely that any vaccine approved would be safe for the general public. However, the vaccine is not out yet, and we must wait until there is data available from trial periods to examine the exact results of its safety and effectiveness. It is unwise to make general sweeping statements such as all vaccines are necessary or all vaccines should be refused. Christians should look at each vaccine to determine the risks of vaccination versus the risks of refusal to vaccinate. This determination on each vaccine may vary depending on an individual’s current health, medical history, the risks of the disease itself, and many other factors. Christians should allow for open dialogue to come to wise decisions and assess whether the upcoming COVID vaccine may be safe and wise for them.
[1] https://www.arcgis.com/apps/Cascade/index.html?appid=16a8657c4aa740dd8a356a77b415ec78
[4] https://www.fda.gov/drugs/development-approval-process-drugs/conducting-clinical-trials
[5] https://www.cdc.gov/vaccinesafety/index.html
[6] https://www.who.int/vaccine_safety/initiative/detection/immunization_misconceptions/en/index4.html
[7] https://www.who.int/vaccine_safety/initiative/detection/immunization_misconceptions/en/index2.html