There is a lot of vaccine hesitancy around – for several reasons. The anti-vaxxer nuts have their set of beliefs based on some widely debunked conspiracy theories about vaccines in general. Then there were those who wanted trials to be completed and efficacy & safety to be established before opting for COVID 19 vaccines. And then there were those who feared the possible side effects of these new vaccines. However, there is no doubt that we should all get our vaccines – for our own health as well as for the sake of public health. And now there are even more reasons to do this:
Apparently being fully vaccinated is a desirable aspect of a would-be date or significant other. One doesn’t, after all, want to take the risk of dating someone who may pass on a COVID infection. So dating apps have now added this feature to be displayed on one's bio. Dating apps such as Bumble, Tinder, OK Cupid, Coffee Meets Bagel now make it possible for users to display their vaccine status on their bio. Put simply, dating apps how make it easier to weed out the anti-vaxxer crazies.
Terms such as ‘antibodies’, ‘shots’, ‘vaccinated’ etc. have become trendy; rather like certain hobbies or professions or personal interests according to Sanjay Panchal, founder of the dating app Elate. Apparently the syringe emoji is now sexy; as is a profile pic claiming to have had both shots. So being vaccinated is rather like the new six pack these days; with a 238% increase in the use of vaccine related terms in dating bios.
Getting vaccinated certainly seems good for one's love life. However, many of us may not be single and ready to mingle or looking for love on dating apps. There are plenty of sound reasons to get vaccinated – beyond one's love life, that is. The vaccines currently available have been thoroughly tested for efficacy and safety. Severe side effects are few and statistically insignificant. The benefits of taking a vaccine far outweigh any possible harm. One is considered fully vaccinated two weeks after the second dose of the vaccine.
Taking the vaccine doesn’t mean that a person will not get infected at all. However, once a person takes the vaccine they are much less likely to get seriously ill or to need hospitalisation. A vaccine also offers better and longer immunity than actually being infected. So, even those who have had the COVID infection are advised to opt for it.
Taking the vaccine not only protects the person but also others around, particularly those who have comorbidities or are at greater risk of infection. Getting vaccinated is not just a matter of personal choice. It is a matter of public health. The sooner a significant percentage of the population is vaccinated, the sooner we can claim to have acquired herd immunity and the sooner we can go back to our normal pre-pandemic lives.
It is a good idea to do up your own reading on the pros and cons of vaccination. Try not to fall for the conspiracy theories that try to paint Big Pharma as a giant villain and do not be suspicious of the profit motive itself. It is unreasonable to expect pharmaceutical companies to give up profit. It is this very profit that helps in the R&D for developing new medications and refining existing ones. So if you haven’t got your jab or registered for one yet, do it now – it’s good for health and apparently your love life as well.
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