Gov. Mike Dunleavy’s COVID-19 press briefing Aug. 26 did more harm than good, in my opinion. His “talk to your doctor first” if you’re considering vaccination sounded like the disclaimer at the end of an erectile dysfunction medication advertisement, only without the sales pitch first. The CDC guidance is readily available to everyone, at anytime, without cost, simply by going to the CDC website.
It’s not that talking to your doctor is a bad idea. It’s that for many, “talking to your doctor” isn’t that simple. Getting an appointment can be months out, and not everybody has the governor’s great State of Alaska health insurance either. That “talk to your doctor first” is going to cost some folks money they might not have. The very few that shouldn’t be vaccinated due to an existing medical condition or course of treatment, should already be under a doctor’s care anyway. Of course, those folks need consultation with their doctors. But then they already know that.
Your vaccination provider is going to ask screening questions, regardless. If something looks like it might be an issue, they will recommend that you consult your doctor. For the overwhelming majority, the CDC guidance is clear: Get vaccinated.
— Brian McNeil
Fairbanks
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