Yes, I Inquire About People’s Vaccination Status (And I’m Not Stopping)

I got vaccinated early on. Living in a part of the Deep South, I was fortunate enough to receive a dose that was about to expire. A kind nurse named Jessica urged me to keep it quiet to avoid overwhelming their facility, and I owe her big time. Now, vaccines are readily available at my local mall; those who want it have gotten it, and the pandemic has drained my last bit of patience. So yes, I ask people if they’re vaccinated.

No, it’s not impolite. No, it’s not an invasion of privacy. And no, I have no intention of stopping.

Because We Just Endured A Global Pandemic

Do you remember the staggering number of lives lost? COVID-19 claimed more American lives than all of World War II combined. In fact, its death toll is nearly equal to that of World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War together. ABC News highlights that we’ve lost more lives than the total number of soldiers who fought in the Civil War. More than the entire population of Belize. More than all of Kansas City, Missouri.

Remember how we struggled with isolation to avoid this fate? Remember that COVID-19 actually kills people? I certainly do. So yes, when I see someone face-to-face, I’m going to ask about their vaccination status. I don’t care if you’re a friend, a doctor, a hairstylist, or a pet groomer. I don’t care if I’m vaccinated myself. The CDC reminds us that “no vaccines are 100% effective at preventing illness in vaccinated individuals.” There’s still a small chance that I could contract COVID-19, and I’m not willing to take that risk.

Another Reason I’m Inquiring About Vaccine Status

My vaccine is nearly 100% effective, yet there remains a tiny chance I could still catch COVID-19. After spending over a year in isolation with my three kids, we did everything possible to avoid the virus. I’m not about to let my guard down now just because someone is being reckless.

So if my unmasked server approaches, I will politely ask, “Have you been vaccinated?” This isn’t rude; it’s simply common sense. I didn’t endure a year of isolation only to risk exposure now.

I could list countless events I missed, but I know everyone who adhered to CDC guidelines missed out too. I need to verify vaccination status to ensure that my efforts over the past year weren’t in vain. I sanitized my hands for a reason, and that reason was not to catch COVID-19 after being vaccinated.

As A Parent, I Must Know

I understand that eventually, I’ll need to let my kids go without masks. But that day is not today, tomorrow, or anytime soon. They continue to wear masks, even outside, because I can’t be sure if your child, who is sharing toys with mine, was around unvaccinated individuals recently. If you’re unmasked and your children are playing with mine, I will ask about your vaccination status. And if you or your partner haven’t been vaccinated, my kids will walk away. In my area, anyone who wanted the vaccine could have been fully vaccinated by now. I care about your vaccination status because I’m responsible for my children’s health.

Inquiring About Vaccination Status Isn’t Rude or an Invasion of Privacy

I’m not being impolite when I ask about your vaccination status. I approach the question with a smile and say, “Have you been vaccinated?” I’m not condescending. If the answer is no, I will take appropriate action: request that you wear a mask while serving me, or perhaps seek out someone who is vaccinated. I will do this kindly, even if I’m internally judging you for not considering the health of others.

Asking about vaccination status is not an invasion of privacy. I have the right to know if those I interact with pose a risk to my health. Everyone has personal rights and liberties, regardless of their political beliefs. If someone is providing me a service and is unmasked and unvaccinated, I have the right to take my business elsewhere.

If you prefer not to disclose your vaccination status when I ask, simply say, “I’d rather not discuss it.” I’ll assume you’re unvaccinated and politely leave, but that’s the risk you take when viewing a straightforward question as a major breach of privacy. This is not akin to asking about your personal life; I’m merely inquiring about your vaccination.

So, calm down. I will continue to ask about people’s vaccination status, and you should too. It’s your right to inquire for your safety and the safety of your loved ones.

Get vaccinated. Wear a mask. Ask about others’ vaccination status. And remember to take care of yourself—drink enough water and get plenty of rest.

For more insights on home insemination, check out this helpful resource. If you’re looking to explore your options further, visit this comprehensive guide. The CDC also offers excellent information on related health topics.

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In summary, asking about vaccination status is a reasonable request in the current climate. It’s not an invasion of privacy; rather, it’s a necessary step to safeguard health and well-being for ourselves and our loved ones.