Regarding “Are we living under 'Big Brother’?” (Letters to the Editor, Oct. 26): Some refuse vaccination because they feel Big Brother is forcing them to lose their freedom of choice. But it’s about doing what’s right to make the virus lose its freedom. A more fully immunized population limits the virus’ freedom to mutate into potentially deadlier variants. It’s about caring for our brothers and sisters.

Yes, we get vaccinated to protect ourselves, but also to protect others, especially children and those who may be immune-compromised. I wish health experts would emphasize this more. When you are vaccinated, even if you get a breakthrough infection, you are much less likely to pass it on because your contagious period is two to three days rather than seven to 10 days in an unvaccinated host. The vaccinated are also eight times less likely to become infected in the first place, according to Sanjay Gupta, MD, and other health experts.

There may be rare cases where there are medical reasons to avoid the vaccine, but in the vast majority of people (millions have been vaccinated) the vaccines have been proven to be safe and effective.

Take freedom from the virus. Get vaccinated.