The following is an urgent email message (except I deleted mention of my name and links which might include information about me,) I received from American Atheists regarding the need to get the covid-19 vaccine.
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For months, we've thought that vaccine rates have been incredibly strong among our community.
For example, a Pew poll in March found that 90% of atheist respondents indicated they'd already received the first vaccine dose or would "definitely" or "probably" seek the shot.
In stark contrast, anti-vaxxer pastors are often making headlines for their anti-science antics. Just days ago, pastor Greg Locke screamed at his congregation, "I am telling you right now! Do not get vaccinated! Do not get vaccinated!" Wade Morris, a well-known Baptist youth pastor who kept his church open during the pandemic, recently died of COVID-19, but some of his followers think that's a good thing. "I was very happy for him because...he's with Jesus now," said one.
While the loudest, headline-stealing voices are often evangelical Christians, this noise hides the complexity of the situation and some conflicting data we're seeing.
This week, data scientist Ryan Burge published a story that calls into question just how high vaccine rates are among nonreligious Americans.
According to a May 11 survey, a larger percentage of young Catholics and evangelicals have gotten vaccinated than young nonreligious Americans:
This is all the more worrisome because our community prides itself on listening to the best science available. And, according to the CDC, the vaccines are all incredibly safe and effective.
With our country in a fourth COVID-19 surge, now is the time to get vaccinated—and to do our part to dispel misinformation.
According to surveys, one segment of Americans—especially evangelical Christians—are adamant in their refusal. However, there is a second group of people—including young secular Americans—who are reluctant but could be persuaded.
If you haven't already, please speak to your friends and family about the importance of vaccination. You can help make the difference between life and death and help end this pandemic.
If you need resources or to find where to get a COVID-19 vaccine, please visit Vaccines.gov.
We're looking forward to seeing you and so many of our members at our national conference in Atlanta in the spring of 2022, but that can only happen if we come together, get vaccinated, and beat this pandemic once and for all.
Sincerely,
Nick Fish
President
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Here is are modified links for some of the news sources listed above.
https://nypost.com/2021/03/09/atheists-are-more-likely-to-get-vaccinated-survey/