if i could convey a message to president biden, the pharmaceutical companies, the cdc and the fda, it would be this: fulfill your vaccine promises to the UN/covax and the world.
the usa and other high-income countries had promised to donate more than one billion vaccine doses to poorer countries. less than 15 percent of those doses have materialized. two million are needed.
here is my line of thought: all over the local and national news is the speculation about the need, effectiveness and details about a “booster” shot for protection from the covid virus. it is natural to focus on what is immediately before us in our local communities. but more research needs to be done. there is public opinion that the initial vaccines’ effectiveness will diminish so a large sector of our country wants the booster. certain folks will need it.
but covid-19 is a pandemic. the way to address ultimately it is through a global response. even health care workers in poor countries are still waiting to be vaccinated.
these are some thoughts from the UN:
the WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed outrage at a statement by a pharmaceutical industry organization that the world’s seven wealthiest nations, known as the G7, now had enough vaccines for all adults and teenagers – and to offer boosters to at-risk groups – and so the focus should shift to dose sharing. “When I read this, I was appalled,” he said.
“In reality, manufacturers and high-income countries have long had the capacity to not only vaccinate their own priority groups, but to simultaneously support the vaccination of those same groups in all countries.”
Scientists have warned for months that if the wealthy nations of the world fail to ensure the rest of planet gets vaccinated efficiently, it will prolong the pandemic, costing the global economy dearly and leaving the coronavirus ample time and fertile ground to mutate into possibly deadlier strains.
widely distributing the vaccines around the world is the right moral action. am not naive to think that money/profits and politics do not taint our moral decisions in the world. but literally, millions of lives depend on a moral response to this pandemic. rich countries such as the usa ought not hoard vaccines at the expense of peoples lives in developing countries.
the love commandments from jesus apply here: do to others as you would have them do to you; love one another as i have loved you.
let us pray:
For all who have contracted coronavirus, we pray for care and healing.
For those who are particularly vulnerable, we pray for safety and protection.
For all who experience fear or anxiety, we pray for peace of mind and spirit.
For affected families who are facing difficult decisions between food on the table or public safety, we pray for policies that recognize their plight.
For those who do not have adequate health insurance, we pray that no family will face financial burdens alone.
For those who are afraid to access care due to immigration status, we pray for recognition of the God-given dignity of all.
For our brothers and sisters around the world, we pray for shared solidarity.
For public officials and decision-makers, we pray for wisdom and guidance.
Father, during this time may your Church be a sign of hope, comfort and love to all. Grant peace. Grant comfort. Grant healing. Be with us, Lord. Amen.
(from https://www.usccb.org/resources/covid-19-prayer-solidarity )
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post script:
over the covid pandemic, i had these earlier reflections:
Art and Sol Podcast ... Random Musings 
Its really something how this pandemic has the world. Its divided. Everyone has an opinion. From the beginning Ive prayed that those opposed to a vaccine do not learn the need by experiencing someone they love getting sick. I ask God for relief. Equally to all. As u know Ive felt it on both sides. I was vaccinated in March. But I contracted the Delta virus last month & was quarantined for 2 weeks in my room. For at least four days I had all the symptoms. Ive pretty avoided the public since. I wish people would realize these viruses are no joke. When u say global. I agree. Everybody needs to be on the same page. Or its not gonna work. We will never have a handle on it. Ive even resorted to attending church on line. God help us all. God bless u all. Always.
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donna, thank you for sharing. you speak from first hand experience about the consequences of covid so i hope those who hear you will respond well. i pray for your healing and continued trust in God’s providential care and love.
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