Dear Friend,

I am not a doctor. I cannot tell you what is safe medically and what is not. Each individual should consult with their physician to best determine whether or not they should get vaccinated against the COVID-19 virus.

As skeptics, we rely on science to determine the answers to such questions, and it should be no different this time. According to doctors at world renowned Johns Hopkins Medicine; despite the extremely fast development of the COVID-19 vaccine, there were no safety or testing measures skipped during the process. Reasons for the quick development include, government funding, new advancements and technology in vaccine development, and a large pool of willing test participants.

Despite following the strict protocols set in place by the FDA for vaccine development, according to the Pew Research Center, approximately 40 percent of Americans are currently unwilling to take the vaccine. That number is staggering and will only exacerbate an already dire situation. According to health officials, approximately 80 percent of the population must receive the vaccine to achieve herd immunity. As you can see, we have a lot of work to do to ensure that happens.

The issue of vaccine refusal is nothing new to the Secular Coalition for America. Traditionally SCA has fought against religious exemptions for vaccination due to the danger they pose to the health of the nation’s children. This is evidenced by the measles outbreaks we have seen over the past few years, despite measles being officially eradicated from the U.S. in 2000. SCA will continue to promote the advancement of public policy based on science, including promoting the use of safe and tested vaccines. Regarding the COVID-19 vaccine, earlier this year SCA rebuked a letter from the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops to the FDA, in which they requested that the FDA incentivize pharmaceutical companies to not use embryonic stem-cells in their quest for a COVID-19 vaccine.

SCA will always fight against religious dogma being inserted into areas of science, and we are thankful for the quick development of the vaccine, and the scientists and doctors who took part.

Thankfully there is still time to educate Americans on the safety of the vaccine, and the importance in taking it. Right now, our nation’s first responders are lining up to receive their first of two shots (about a month apart) to vaccinate themselves against the virus. The reason they are receiving the vaccine first is both about A) maintaining the infrastructure that addresses the nation’s health care capacity, and B) setting an example for the public. As an American, I could not be prouder of their actions, and commend them for the work they have done throughout the pandemic to minimize the damage to the nation's health.

I also want to commend the majority of our public officials who have often had to make decisions for the good of the public, at many times to the detriment of their careers. Now, many of them are publicly taking the vaccine themselves in order to further the public’s confidence in its safety. These actions rise above their traditional duties, and we should all acknowledge that. SCA would like to encourage everyone to consult with their physician to best determine if it is safe for you to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and if so, please get vaccinated!

The Secular Coalition for America is working everyday to ensure that non-theists are both respected and have a place at the table when decisions and policy are being decided in Washington, DC. If you appreciate the work we are doing, and want to be a part of our efforts, I hope you will consider giving today by clicking the “I want to help lobby Congress!” button to donate to the (C4) division of SCA which is responsible for lobbying congress, or the “I want to help educate!” button for a tax-deductible donation to the (C3) division of SCA which works to educate Americans about our movement and values. Every dollar goes to furthering our shared secular agenda.