The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way many people live their lives. To some, getting vaccinated is an emotional experience and step one in helping push towards returning to normalcy.
With vaccines for COVID-19 rolling out all around the world, many people are eager to register to receive it.
Sophomore Connor Finley states he wanted to be vaccinated “as fast as humanly possible” when he heard the age limit drop down to 16.
“I wanted to get the vaccine as soon as humanly possible, so I regularly checked the county’s website to see if I was eligible,” Finley said, “since I wanted to get it in early and there were a lot of other people trying to get in as well,”
While registering for the vaccine is different for everybody, so is their motivation to get it. Some people can be excited to help end the pandemic when they receive it, while others may show to be reluctant about certain aspects of the vaccine.
Registered nurse Kim Nevitt who works at a nursing home said she shifted in her beliefs. She was originally against the vaccination, but said she learned to accept the new mRNA style of vaccines, believing that other people should try to learn about this style.
“I had definite reservations about getting my vaccine. Initially, I did not want to get it,” Nevitt said. “Ultimately, I reasoned that while we didn’t know the long-term effects of the vaccine, we also didn’t know the long-term effects of Covid.”
But, as the vaccination process throughout America progresses, healthcare experts are consistently learning about any new side effects of the vaccine, and showing signs of effectiveness within it.
“The death and suffering that I witnessed on a daily basis were, quite frankly, incredibly traumatic. The reported numbers are not a fair representation of what we had to go through,” Nevitt said, as she decided to get the vaccine because of these experiences.
For some, it’s concern for the lives of others at risk that compels them to get vaccinated. This is the case for a middle school student Matthew Gavin.
“I feel good about getting the vaccine. I would feel horrible if I gave a virus to someone who could get sick, and maybe even die,” Gavin said.
Registered Nurse Andrea Lorenz said she supports people’s different beliefs on the vaccine, but is happy to have gotten it herself.
“Especially being in healthcare and having the first round of them,” Lorenz said, “but I do feel like people have a choice in it, and should not feel forced to do it.”
The excitement and joy to help the community by getting the vaccine is a feeling shared by many.
According to freshman Nick Diamond, he’s excited for people to get vaccinated and is hopeful for life to return to normal as soon as possible.
“I definitely feel empowered knowing that I’m helping the world go back to normal. I am very excited for everyone else to finally get their vaccines.” Diamond said. “I am very happy knowing that I’m helping change happen.”
Although the steady production of the vaccine is considered a breakthrough among many communities, it doesn’t guarantee the end of the pandemic as the Center for Disease Control (CDC) states scientists are still learning how well vaccines prevent people from spreading COVID-19 to others.
According to Lorenz, she acknowledges the effects of the vaccine and concerns behind safety, understanding why people wouldn’t want to get a vaccine that’s “so very experimental.”
“It’s not foolproof and I don’t want it to be a security blanket that we just completely go back to the old ways.” Lorenz said. “People can still get the virus after having the vaccine, but duly noted that if they do get the virus it’s generally less severe.”