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The scenes of vaccine being delivered to facilities and patients falling in line to receive their shots are truly historic and to be celebrated. But beyond the initial euphoria belies a challenge for our nation and community that we cannot hide from. As previous generations have faced their own unimaginable challenges, what lies in the months ahead as we embark on the largest mass vaccination campaign on record will be remembered as our generation’s history and will define our future.
There is no doubt that significant challenges lie ahead. We are a nation divided down political and philosophical lines. A population that was isolated through technology and echo chambers even before the pandemic hit. A people who still struggle to overcome the mistakes of our past. And communities that question the reliability and safety of vaccines.
Beyond those challenges of course is the herculean efforts that have already resulted in the development of a vaccine with unprecedented efficiency and the mobilization of infrastructure and manufacturing that will be needed to deliver the promise of the vaccine to the masses.
It is hard to fathom how we can collectively overcome these hurdles, but there is also no doubt that we cannot fail. That is our calling over the coming months.
Will we stand together with patience and understanding as we await our turn to receive a vaccination? Will we seek knowledge and our own understanding of the science that can protect us from this virus? Can we encourage populations that are leery of the vaccine to do the same? Can we respect the decisions of our neighbors and friends if they decide their own path forward? Can we lift each other up, so collectively we can overcome?
It is our time to stand up and conquer our greatest challenge in a dignified and respectful manner that will define our generation in history and pave the way for a higher quality of life and brighter future for all.
The Dade County Medical Association and our physician leaders are committed to doing just that. We ask all of our citizens to determine what you can do to help us emerge a much stronger community.
