Editor’s note: The following is a Dec. 4, 2020 column submitted by Dr. Joseph Reed, medical director of the Upshur-Buckhannon Health Department.

BUCKHANNON — Regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, I urge all to take the Covid vaccine when it is available to them. I believe the systematic production of vaccine principles have been followed and have not been shortened.

The reason the vaccine has become available this fast is because of running different parts of development simultaneously rather than sequentially, thanks to the massive infusion of federal dollars into the process.

The only information not available is the long-term documentation of effectiveness and safety. The vaccines are not live virus so cannot cause Covid infections.

Weigh your odds: minimal chance of unknown side effects of a vaccine versus significant illness for yourself or your loved ones if infected.

I also believe we should continue wearing our masks for protection of ourselves and others, not only from Covid, but also flu and other respiratory infections.

–Joseph B. Reed, M.D.
Medical Director, Upshur-Buckhannon Health Department