I'll wade in here.
First, I'm a primary health practitioner and while not daily on the front lines I have spent time in that capacity. I've worked directly with Covid + patients, seen a hefty portion of staff develop symptoms, a few staff who didn't make it......and one young fellow (23 who spent 68 days on a respirator and is now back to work) So despite what else you might here, the potential harmful effects are very real and regardless what direction you decide to go, please use common sense and protect yourself and family.
There is a ton of misinformation/lack of information/and conflicting information out there....both for the vaccine and against....so it is no wonder we are all walking around not sure what we should or should not do.
I have my own reservations. Mainly because a vaccine normally takes 5-10 years to go from the R&D phase, thru trials, to approval. These have been done in 8-10 months so there is still not much known whether there will be any issues/concerns in the future. Saying that, regardless what you might think otherwise the development has been based on solid scientific collaboration within the community. The science here is solid and in my opinion ...above reproach. I have a son (who I have only seen a couple times in the last year because of his work) that is working at the Federal virology lab and front and centre with research and development. He was also one of the first to get the vaccine (which is interesting as I brought up all of my kids vaccine free)
I trust implicitly his judgement and concerns....knowing that it is based purely on his own scientific knowledge/understanding.
Did I get the shot? I hummed and hawed for a while but in the end yes. I've had the first Pfizer shot....a couple weeks back. So far haven't noticed any extra limbs/cravings. Do I still have concerns/reservations....absolutely......but in the end I have big plans to travel.....and I don't think it will be easy going forward to travel if you don't have some form of documentation to support.
Is there a political spin to this pandemic? I'm sure there is. There are always those who will utilize any situation for their own means. I'm not sure what we can do about that except be aware and make informed choices based on doing your own research and coming to your own conclusions versus relying on what you hear on the news, or from the guy down the street (who all may have their own ulterior motive). There are companies making billions off this pandemic......and I do question the reasoning behind some of the comments like we may need a 3rd...or a 4th shot because of variants. Is it more about protecting.....or more about the financial bottom line?
In terms of herd immunity.......I doubt we ever fully reach it. This is a virus......the very nature of a virus is to mutate....it is hard to develop full immunity to something that can constantly change.........like the flu. Best case scenario we develop sufficient immunity that it becomes no more than an irritant like the flu.
Anyway.......there's my ramble FWIW. Regardless of your position/choice/beliefs....I wish you well.