link to original reddit post by /u/josephbobersonjr

Not that anyone here cares or needs to know, but I’ve made the decision to not get the vaccine (at least for now). No, it’s not because I think I’m going to be microchipped, that I’m going to grow gills, have my DNA permanently altered, anything like that. I’m not an anti-vaxxer. The reason is simply, I’m a healthy 24 year old male with no pre-existing conditions, and I think the risks for me outweigh the benefits. There’s been reports of men in their 20s having heart issues from the shot, and while I know these numbers are minuscule, the number of severe covid cases of my demographic is likely even less.

I also prioritize my health and strengthening my immune system. I eat healthy and exercise daily, go on plenty of walks and get sunshine. I take Vitamin D, Magnesium, and Zinc supplements every day (for those who don’t know, a report from this past winter said 80% of Covid hospitalizations were people with Vitamin D deficiency). I haven’t gotten sick in 16 months. I’m not saying any of this is a “replacement” for the vaccine, but for me I think it’s enough. If I’m taking care of myself like this (unlike many people in this country who have gotten very sick), then I see it as fine. I’d be surprised if I didn’t come in contact with the virus at some point since early 2020.

Of course, the government will suppress the voices of doctors who preach all these health fundamentals as opposed to relying on the vaccine. They’ll instead tell you to go get your shot then head on over to Krispy Kreme, Shake Shack and even get a free case of beer!

To be very clear, I am not judging anyone who chose to get the vaccine. That is your choice, and none of my business. In fact I think if you’re at high risk for Covid then it’s certainly smart to get it. Everyone should respect others’ decisions to get the shot or not get the shot, but that’s not how things are going

At first, the vaccine seemed to be a way to “protect yourself” from getting severe complications from the virus. But now the narrative has pushed towards “you’re an asshole who’s spreading the virus and killing people if you don’t get it, even if you’re young and healthy you need to get it to save lives.” People on my Instagram sharing shit from CNN like “if you’re unvaccinated you’re the problem” and even “How to convince people to get the vaccine”. Now even the Republicans are getting in on it and telling everyone they need to get vaccinated. Screw you!

The other night and talking with some people, some I knew, some I had just met. They all started berating this one guy who openly said he didn’t get the vaccine (some girl’s first question was literally “are you vaccinated?”). He was basically an outcast the rest of the night. I just kept quiet and skated by, but it makes me so angry I can’t just say that I made my decision without the fear of being a pariah. It’s crazy how many of my friends are openly supportive of a nationwide vaccine mandate.

They now even have gotten Olivia Rodrigo to go to the White House in an attempt to manipulate the minds of children to want to get the shot. Does anyone not have a problem with this? Next thing it’ll be “get yourself 16th booster shot, or else you’re a narcissistic mass murderer!” It’s scary, why do they need to shove this vaccine down our throats so much? It makes me want to get it even less.

I really hope this vaccine hysteria dies down this year. That Uncle Joe and the gang won’t do some sort of vaccine passport/app, that will basically be a loophole mandate. It terrifies me to think about. I’m much less terrified of taking this vax than I am of the precedent this sets

To end this rant, I’m making a decision for my own health. If this vaccine is actually a question of protecting others and not just yourself, I’m still confident the effort I put into strengthening my immune system will do just that. And I’m sick of being gaslit to think I’m an awful person for believing this.

also while I’m here, fuck you Jen Psaki you’re annoying