As vaccinations against COVID-19 pick up, we’re starting to see things open up again. Restaurants are open with spacing and limited capacity, the arts are coming back, and those first hugs are happening. All balm for the soul. Unfortunately, politicizing the pandemic has become its own pandemic. Vaccine hesitancy, anti-masking, and just all around buffoonery are still part of the COVID tableau. When you look at the numbers though, it’s clear the vaccine works. Yes, there have been side effects for some but they usually go away in a day or two. Tylenol and anti-inflammatories like Advil or Aleve have been effective. And remember, if you’re having side effects, that means the vaccine is working! Your immune system is on duty and doing what it does! Get vaccinated! And keep up the masking, distancing and hand washing. Stay the course, Vashon.