Vaccine Hesitancy

I finally received my first dose of the covid vaccine after several weeks of debating why I should or should not get it. I have a background in public health. I know the importance of vaccinations and how they have eradicated certain viruses such as polio. But there was so much political influence surrounding this covid vaccine that I was more than hesitant. I am in no way a conspiracy theorist and I know that the government was not using the vaccine to insert a chip into me (why would they? the smartphone does all the tracking) or turn me into a mind-controlled zombie. But the term "operation warp speed" during the vaccination creation process made me quite nervous. I don't want anything scientific done at warp speed, especially something that is being injected into my body. But the miracle of the creation of this vaccine is not something to sneeze at. It took less than a year for the vaccine to be created, tested, and distributed. This is a modern medicine miracle. I was hesitant because of the newness. I was hesitant because of the lack of research about what the long-term side effects could possibly be. But I have several friends and family members that are permanently debilitated in some way because of the aftermath of the coronavirus. Healthy 20-somethings that have to use bronchodilators, possibly for the rest of their life. Difficulty retrieving short-term memories is another terrifying after-effect of the virus. I have been fortunate during this entire pandemic. I have not caught the coronavirus and I am scared to.

The deciding factor for me, though, was not becoming ill from the virus myself. It was the concept of herd immunity. By definition, herd immunity is when a large part of the population is immune to a disease, usually by vaccination. This pandemic will not "end" if enough people do not get vaccinated. I have family members that are asthmatic and I want them to be safe again.

I miss concerts. I miss going to the movies. I REALLY miss church. So, that is why I got the vaccine-- and I do not regret my decision. I plead to you, dear reader, to get your vaccine when it becomes available to you. It is ok to be hesitant, but trust me--the benefits certainly outweigh the risks. We can fight this coronavirus together. Do your part and get vaccinated, continue to socially distance, wash your hands, and take your vitamins!