My Letter to Santa

Dear Santa:

I know I am a little older than the children who typically write, but this is really important.

First, thanks for that Tamagotchi you sent me in the 1990s. You’ll be happy to know I kept him healthy for the longest time and he had a full life. I’m a doctor now, so helping people stay healthy is what I do. But a doctor has only so much influence. I could really use your help.

You’ve heard of COVID-19, right? Is it bad at the North Pole? I hope all your elves are wearing masks and keeping at least six feet apart. A lot of people here didn’t; and many of them got sick and died. But there are these new vaccines coming out. Can you please put a vaccine in each person’s stocking?

I figure you can use the North Pole’s Defense Production Act to compel the elves to manufacture vaccines instead of toys. But I also need you to leave a note with each vaccine asking everyone to take it. Can you do that please? If the message comes from you, it will help people understand:

The vaccine is safe. Nobody rushed the vaccine’s production, they just made it a priority. The vaccine still went through the traditional phases of any trial and it is safe.

Even if people get COVID-19, they still need the vaccine. People can develop anti-bodies, but the antibodies can be short-lived. Some people will get it again, so everyone should get the vaccine.

Taking the COVID-19 vaccine won’t give people COVID-19. This vaccine is not a live vaccine; it just instructs our bodies to create a protein that helps our bodies develop our own antibodies. Nobody is going to get COVID-19 from getting vaccinated.

Most vaccines’ side effects are discovered quickly. While it’s true we don’t know much about the vaccine’s long-term effects, the side effects for almost all vaccines present themselves within a few days or weeks. The same is true of the COVID-19 vaccine.

So, Santa, I know this is a big ask, but I’ve been really good, and I’m asking early so you can finish on time. Please remember to wear your mask when you make your deliveries, and please sanitize your hands after touching each chimney. I’ll leave some plant-based cookies and almond milk out for you.

Your friend,

Gordon