According to statistics published by the Delaware Division of Services for Aging and Adults with Disabilities, 80,613 seniors 65 years of age and older lived in Sussex County in 2015. The division projected that the county’s elderly residents would increase to 100,103 by 2020. Given the aliments that accompany aging, many of these individuals are receiving medical treatment and care from a doctor. In this day of misinformation, it is important to remember that the care physicians provide is based on science. And, even though science may not produce a complete recovery, we all know that modern medicine allows seniors with chronic illnesses to work, volunteer on behalf of others, attend church, and enjoy a good quality of life. For many in our community, this confidence is grounded on the belief in the healing power of their faith. Many seniors accept medical intervention with unwavering belief that faith in a supreme power will not only provide the strength to fight for life but, in addition, will enable the doctor to use the gift that has been bestowed on him or her to use scientific knowledge and medical technology to treat others. So to those in our community worried about the new COVID-19 vaccines, I would say, “Don’t be afraid.” Just as you have accepted and have been helped by vaccines for the flu, shingles, pneumonia, measles and mumps, let yourself similarly benefit from the COVID-19 vaccine. Please think before flatly saying no to getting vaccinated. Talk with your doctor or other trained healthcare providers about what you have heard that may be wrong. Get the true facts about the vaccine and scientific answers to your concerns about the risks versus the benefits of being inoculated for you, your family and your community.
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