Health, financial, social implications for unvaccinated people, warns SFU health expert

Vaccines are safe and effective. They can prevent people from getting and spreading COVID-19 and – if they do get it – they can stop people from getting seriously ill, preventing hospitalization and death. 

So, what’s the hesitation around getting the jab?

Scott Lear, a professor in SFU’s Faculty of Health Sciences, says there is likely a range of reasons why people might be hesitant about getting a shot, not the least of which is complacency.

“I've heard of people who have forgotten about appointments,” says Lear. “So, it is probably not foremost on their minds.

“I know people who have been willing, but just got complacent – until a friend of theirs came over and drove them to a vaccination clinic. They didn’t have any concern about getting vaccinated, but it can be a challenge to make it a priority when everybody is so busy.”

Other reasons for vaccination hesitancy, Lear suggests, are concerns about side effects, especially if they had a rough time with their first dose, or a loss of work hours for low-income or self-employed people.

People who had a bad experience with a different vaccine might also have some reluctance to get their COVID-19 vaccine.

“More than four billion doses of COVID-19 vaccines have been distributed around the world. The vaccines we have are safe and effective and it can help you and others.”

For people on the fence about getting their vaccine, Lear suggests they talk to a trusted healthcare professional, who can patiently and knowledgably answer questions and help minimize concerns.

“Sometimes family members can help, and sometimes they can hinder. Even when they have good intentions sometimes it can end in arguments. Sometimes it’s just about talking to someone who won’t judge you.”

The rise of the delta variant is troubling, he adds, because it spreads faster that earlier forms of the virus. In British Columbia, Lear says, the majority of people being hospitalized now are unvaccinated.

Being unvaccinated, Lear adds, increases the risk that a person could carry the disease, potentially transmitting the disease to people with compromised immune systems.

Other concerns, Lear lists, are long-term health implications of getting COVID-19, including fatigue, a shortness of breath or brain fog, that can arise months after the initial symptoms. These long-term implications could impact a person’s ability to work.

As well, there is the very real possibility that society will see more and more businesses and organizations require proof of vaccination, impacting a person’s ability to travel and socialize and affecting their general happiness.

Vaccination is the single most important thing each of us can to do protect ourselves and others. Visit the B.C. government’s website to book your appointment or find a drop-in clinic today.