The rate of covid-19 infection and death in the United States has increased dramatically since spring of this year, largely due to the delta variant, thought to be more contagious and to cause worse disease than the alpha variety. On 14 June the country was feeling some optimism, with 8,432 new covid-19 cases reported that day.  On 31 August, 2021, the CDC reported 162,686 new cases, for a total so far of 39,488,866 cases and 641,725 deaths.  A total of 52.7% of the US population age 12 and over has been fully vaccinated, and 62% has had at least one dose of a covid-19 vaccine. To achieve herd immunity, we need to achieve a rate of at least 70% of our population fully vaccinated. Ideally, 100% could stop covid-19 in its tracks. But many Americans are still unsure how safe the covid-19 vaccines are. 

One concern is the possibility of developing an internal blood clot after receiving a vaccine. Fortunately, receiving covid-19 vaccination lowers the risk. In a study published in the British Medical Journal in August of 2021, medical professors at Oxford University examined the records of over 29 million patients vaccinated with either Pfizer or Astra- Zeneca vaccine, a covid-19 vaccine now under consideration for approval from the FDA. The researchers found that individuals injected with the vaccines in general had slightly higher risks of low platelet* counts, blood clots in their arteries and veins, blood clots in their brains, and strokes, but not heart attacks, within 28 days of receiving treatment. Patients testing positive for covid-19 virus showed relatively greater increased risk of low platelet counts, blood clots in their arteries and veins, blood clots in their brains, and strokes, and increased risk of heart attacks within 28 days of testing. Covid-19 vaccination is a good way to protect yourself and your loved ones from low platelet counts, internal clots, strokes, and heart attacks. Not to mention death from covid-19.