Letter to the editor: Not all who are vaccinated are immune to covid

Many people heaved a sigh of relief upon hearing that the mask mandate was lifted for fully vaccinated Pennsylvanians. I did not.

As of June 6, 45% of Pennsylvanians are fully vaccinated against the covid-19 virus. This does not mean that 45% of the state’s population has immunity against the virus. The wonderful numbers reported do not take into account the large group of people who are fully vaccinated but failed to develop antibodies.

It is unfortunate — and dangerous — that the media does not give as much attention to studies that have shown little or no response to the vaccine by people with blood cancers and lymphoma, those who have received organ transplants and are immunosuppressed, those taking immunosuppressing drugs for a host of other conditions and people who have received chemotherapy. This means there is a large group of people who feel a degree of safety because they have been vaccinated but are still very much at risk.

We all need to be mindful of this and not think that we are back to prepandemic normalcy. If you add those who refuse to be vaccinated to this group, you will see that herd immunity is not just around the corner.

On April 15, The New York Times published an informative article about this: “Vaccines won’t protect millions of patients with weakened immune systems.” It also shows why it is so important for everyone to be vaccinated. It is worth reading. The health and safety of your family member or loved one may depend on whether or not you are vaccinated.

Judy Sproat

Buffalo Township