People should start to ask themselves, aside from personal protection from the virus, what incentive do I have to get the vaccine?  Certainly, there is some peace of mind that can come from knowing that you have significantly reduced your ability to be infected, but as far as most government mandates and recommendations, your life will go unchanged.

That’s not to say that I am saying to avoid getting the vaccine.  In fact, I will receive my second shot next Wednesday.  My issue is with the data-devoid emotional appeals we still have from those within the government who tell us the vaccine is the path to freedom while continuing to restrict our ability to exercise said freedom.

This morning, the CDC announced that fully vaccinated people can travel again, but stopped short of lifting any of the travel restrictions that non-vaccinated people currently suffer under.  First, is that vaccinated people can travel, but the CDC still recommends against non-essential travel.  This is literally the current directive from the CDC about non-vaccinated people.  Second, is that fully vaccinated people are subject to the same mask and social distancing mandates to which non-vaccinated travelers are subject.  The only guideline that has changed is testing before you go and quarantining upon your return, both of which many people ignored anyway as there was no mandate.

From the AP:

Add travel to the activities vaccinated Americans can safely enjoy again, according to new U.S. guidance issued Friday.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its guidance to say fully vaccinated people can travel within the U.S. without getting tested for the coronavirus or going into quarantine afterward.

Still, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky urged caution and said she would “advocate against general travel overall” given the rising number of infections.

“If you are vaccinated, it is lower risk,” she said.

In other words, nothing has changed.  The recommendation still only applies to essential travel, and those who have been vaccinated still have to comply with mask mandates and social distancing guidelines.  Next to nothing has changed.  How many were quarantining after their return unless it was required?  My own family’s spring break trip to Hawaii was postponed as a result of travel restrictions due to COVID-19 which have not been altered, even in the light of all adult passengers being vaccinated.

This is precisely why Americans are increasingly finding the government mandates laughable.  I have talked previously about the data showing that many of the government-imposed measures to “slow the spread,” were completely unnecessary and in many cases, made the problems worse.  Now, even when you comply with government directives to vaccinate, they still, won’t let you get back to your life.