“Is it because these health care workers feel there is more risk from the vaccine than the virus?”
I suspect this is true. I know 3 RNs and my DIL is a patient care tech in a COVID ward. The three RNs have caught it and recovered with no significant symptoms, and my DIL hasn’t even caught it - after 6 months working full time in a wing dedicated to COVID!
I plan to take the vaccine, BTW. But it is hard to fault my DIL’s skepticism given her constant exposure without catching anything.
I think your comment regarding the number of health care workers who have already had it needs to be considered. If one has had the disease and likely immune, why bother with the vaccine? Some suggest it will give a broader protection but I can understand foregoing the vaccine. No mention is made of what percentage of healthcare workers are in that category but it is likely substantial, thus making the choice to not vaccinate not as damaging as the vaccine fearmongers suggest.
I am in the Moderna trial, don’t know if I have the placebo or the real thing - but I haven’t been sick. Minor arm pain for a few days, no big deal.
I personally think a lot of this is political theater, delaying the vaccination due to fears when Operation Warp Speed is actually quite a success. Can’t have that, need to wait until a D is in and then give them all the credit for ending the spread.
Your DIL may have had it and not known it. I am glad your family members had mild cases. Most people do. The ones that do not are the problem. There is no way to predict ahead of time what kind of case you will have. It all depends on your tolerance for risk and whatever other factors you have in your life.