These are trying times. Kindness and politeness are doubly in order.

I am staunchly opposed to vaccine mandates! It should be a personal and private decision. No one should be punished, shamed or ridiculed for the choice he or she has made.

There are valid reasons to be concerned about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines. There are valid reasons some of us choose to get vaccinated.

There is much we do not know about the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the illness it causes and its long-term effects. While we are better able to treat it now, we still have much to learn.

By the way, I am female and not vaccinated.