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Bryan Mays: With vaccines, we finally have a weapon against COVID-19

"It's my hope that those who choose not to get vaccinated realize that those who are getting the shots are the ones who are going to get us back to normal sooner."

AUSTIN, Texas — Masks, social distancing, curbside pick-up, virtual learning, Zoom – all things most of us were just learning about for the first time one year ago. Now we're talking about declining COVID-19 numbers, declining unemployment numbers and declining coronavirus-related deaths. 

Why? Well, primarily because of science.

This week, the U.S. topped 31 million confirmed cases since this horrible pandemic began. There have been more than 570,000 COVID-19-related deaths in this country. 

Here's where the science comes in: As of this week, there are more than 61 million fully vaccinated Americans and millions more who have had at least one dose.

So why are numbers falling? Because people are getting vaccinated. 

People finally have a weapon. It's not a mask and it's not staying 6 feet away from grandma. Those things have been helpful, but getting a vaccine makes the difference. 

With each shot we are just a little bit closer to normal.

The “Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System” has been around for more than 30 years. It allows anyone in this country to report an adverse reaction to a vaccine.

 According to the CDC website, over 167 million doses were given from Dec.14 through April 5. There were 2,794 reports of deaths among people who had received a COVID-19 vaccine. 

But here's the important part (also known as the facts): the CDC's website says "a review of available clinical information including death certificates, autopsy and medical records revealed no evidence that vaccination contributed to patient deaths." They are saying there's not any evidence the vaccines caused the deaths – none. That's the fact, straight from the CDC.

RELATED: KVUE's Bryan Mays discusses 'shameful, avoidable' energy crisis in Texas

I'm tired of arguing about masks. I'm sick of debating if a crowd at a sporting event is too big. I absolutely hate wiping down my groceries every time I pick up my curbside order. And my hair – it's been 14 months since I've been to a barber.

The scientists have opened the door for us, and I am grateful. I smile every single time I see a selfie of someone getting their vaccination. I know the vaccines are voluntary and not everyone will get one. That's absolutely your right. But it's my hope that those who choose not to get vaccinated realize and appreciate that those who are getting the shots are the ones who are going to get us back to normal sooner rather than later – those folks and the scientists, of course.

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