Dr. Larry Corey with Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center had a message for those hesitant to get the COVID-19 vaccine: evidence shows the vaccines are safe and effective.
Corey, who is based in Seattle at Fred Hutchinson and the University of Washington, said he unequivocally supports a teacher vaccine mandate.
He said those on the fence about getting vaccinated, who say 'it's just a clinical study,' or 'it's only approved for emergency use,' are wrong.
Dr. Corey said the vaccines are 98% effective against coronavirus, including the delta variant, and that breakthrough cases are rare and almost all are mild. He added that the point of the vaccine is not necessarily to prevent you from getting COVID, but from preventing it from sending you to the hospital.
Corey said evidence proves the vaccines are safe and effective, and the current surge is mainly among those who are unvaccinated.
"You, as unvaccinated, can unwittingly infect other people," he said. "There's a societal responsibility; it's not just individual choice anymore."
