Dean of the UCI School of Medicine shares why you should get vaccinated

September 18, 2021

IN THE NEWS: Dr. Michael J. Stamos, dean of the UCI School of Medicine, wrote an opinion article for the LA Times' Daily Pilot highlighting the importance of the COVID-19 vaccine.

In the article, Stamos highlights the safety and effectiveness of the vaccine and how it can prevent serious illness and long-lasting problems if you become infected with the virus.

"Beyond the fact that the vaccine is the best protection you have if you are exposed to COVID-19, deciding to remain unvaccinated has a number of other drawbacks," Stamos wrote.

Stamos explains that many state and local governments are developing ordinances that will require proof of vaccination to enjoy indoor activities such as going into bars, gyms and restaurants. In addition, the federal government is implementing vaccine requirements for all businesses with more than 100 employees.

"We all want this pandemic to end. The best way to achieve this is for 75 to 85 percent of the population to be vaccinated," Stamos wrote. "If we don't achieve this level of vaccination the virus will evolve and continue to spread."

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