Calgary’s upper northeast zone has hit the mark many thought impossible: 99 per cent vaccination of all eligible residents. However, there’s just one factor that might dampen the spirits of the compliant: literally nothing has changed as a result of their achievement.
Indeed, while the government and media have convinced many Canadians that a high vaccination rate — a constantly shifting goalpost — is the key to ending the pandemic and returning to normal, nothing has changed in Calgary’s upper northeast zone.
At the time of writing, Alberta Premier Jason Kenney has not even congratulated the residents for their compliance; and the provincial government has made no indication they will be removing mask mandates, proof-of-vaccination requirements, or any other pandemic measure.
Similarly, West Jasper Place in Edmonton has reached 95 per cent vaccination for all eligible with the first dose, Calgary’s lower northwest zone has achieved a 93 per cent vaccination with the first dose for all eligible, and Sherwood Park Zone in Edmonton has reached 93 per cent vaccination with the first dose for all eligible.
No change. Nothing. Silence.
Moreover, there is concern that this vaccination rate may change as booster shots are approved, and the vaccination of children aged 5-11 is pushed on the populace, effectively paving the way for an expansion of both who is considered eligible and who is considered vaccinated.
Some may believe that the idea the government could change fully vaccinated to mean that one has been triple vaccinated rather than double vaccinated is a conspiracy theory. But, unfortunately, it is not and has already happened in Israel, where the government required citizens to get a booster shot to retain their vaccine passports.
Moreover, the term ‘waning efficacy’ — a tacit admission that the vaccine is ineffective after a brief time — is making its rounds throughout the mainstream media, subtly implanting the idea that boosters are a necessity.
How long until fully vaccinated means triple vaccinated in Alberta is anyone’s guess. But for now, we can rest easy knowing that there’s no rush to get the booster. After all, if nothing happens when 99 per cent of the population is double vaxxed, what reason is there to believe that anything will change if 99 per cent of the population is triple vaxxed?
