A pandemic in decline. Businesses opening back up. Discussion about reopening borders to allow for international travel.

That might soon be yesterday’s news as the delta variant of the COVID-19 pandemic ramps up. Some are expecting it will wreak further havoc on a beleaguered nation that’s been slowly recovering from a once-in-a-century catastrophe.

And the worst part is: In all likelihood, it could be prevented.

Last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimated that the delta variant made up 83% of current U.S. cases of COVID-19. Health experts say the variant is more aggressive and much more transmissible than previous ones, and possibly more deadly.

In the United States, just under half of the population has been vaccinated against COVID-19. According to a recent Associated Press article, focus groups have noted a shift among the unvaccinated that has gone from skepticism about the vaccine to adamant refusal.

Of those who have not received the vaccine, about 70% of them are saying they probably or definitely won’t get it.

Recently, according to the Associated Press, various governors, the Doctors Caucus and some congressional Republicans have been calling on constituents to put aside their doubts and get vaccinated.

There are genuinely good reasons for some unvaccinated people to not get their shots — for example, a dangerous allergic reaction to the vaccine. But health experts say the number of these people is relatively low.

Elected officials have blasted some social media platforms for allowing disinformation about the vaccine to run rampant on their websites. They’re not wrong.

I’d imagine most people were glad to see some sense of normalcy returning in recent months as crowd size limitations were lifted, businesses reopened and traveling seemed like much less of a risk. It remains a very small risk for those who are vaccinated. For others, it’s a much higher one.

There’s a reason why you don’t hear people sounding the alarm about polio or smallpox anymore — they were stamped out by vaccines.

Scientists worked hard this past year to develop the vaccines, and doctors and nurses have heroically responded to the pandemic. There’s no doubt they’re dreading having to do it all over again if the delta variant spikes.

If you are thinking of getting vaccinated, there’s no time like the present. If you’re hesitant, but have no underlying health reasons that should prevent you from getting one, research credible sources and make an informed decision.

— NCD