To Vax or Not to Vax? That is the question. For a while, I had mulled it around in my head. Initially, I was very skeptical about getting the Covid-19 vaccine. I recall a time when I was also scared of getting vaccinated for the flu. For years and years, I would go to primary care physicians. When they asked if I wanted the flu shot, I said no out of fear. Then, in the fall of 2019, I said, “Sure. Why not?” It wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be. Sometimes, I sit with a decision for a long time before making a choice. I don’t ever want to feel as though one person persuaded me a certain way, but I may need a push in the right direction from time to time. Ultimately, there are things that I will have to decide for myself.
Why are you not vaccinated? A real question that a family member had asked me at a small, outside family gathering in early May. I really didn’t know how to respond. Luckily, another family member interjected. “It’s her choice.” That’s right. It completely is my choice. My risk for catching Covid was fairly low. For over a year, I had worked solely from home. I did not leave my apartment much, aside from going shopping and meeting up with an occasional friend. While my health is pretty good, there is always room for improvement. Maybe I’m healthier than I realize, as I had an exposure to Covid earlier this year but stayed negative. I do, however, have a lot of anxiety. The pandemic had heightened my mental health issues, and the vaccine would allow me to have a bit more freedom. I had also started working in-office for two days a week in mid-April. I am mostly in my department by myself, and I only see a few people around the building. Yet I thought it would be best to get vaccinated, as an extra precaution. By the end of May, I had received both doses of the Pfizer vaccine.
Why would people not want to get vaccinated? They may have concerns about the side effects of the vaccine, especially since Covid-19 is a fairly new virus. I don’t really remember having many side effects, if any at all. The shots only took a few seconds for both doses. Both times, the administrators were really nice to me. They chatted me up and made me feel comfortable, and it was over before it even began. Of course, I had the soreness in my arm for a few days after each dose. And I think I remembered being tired, at least for the day after my first shot. But not too much more than my usual tiredness. I also know that others may have experienced side effects differently. Certain vaccines may have long-term effects, as well. Disparities due to race, age, gender, and body type may also factor in a person’s willingness or lack thereof to be vaccinated.
To mask or to vax? Some people seem to think that they don’t have to wear a mask, yet have no desire to get vaccinated either. Yikes. With the Delta variant of Covid-19 on the rise, I think it is a good idea for everyone to continue to wear a mask. But it’s their choice. Anytime I go somewhere, I make sure I have mine. Keys, phone, wallet, mask. This is the new normal now. My family says to me, “Well, you’re vaccinated. You don’t have to wear your mask anymore.” I’m still going to wear it regardless. I tell them that I will continue to do both, because some people do neither.
The bottom line is that vaccines are not going to be 100% effective in preventing people from catching Covid-19. They may, however, prevent extreme symptoms, hospitalization, and death. Some vaccines may work better than others. I encourage anyone getting a vaccine to educate themselves on any possible short- or long-term side effects. And to choose the vaccine that they feel most comfortable with. Everyone may not be eligible for a vaccine due to pre-existing health conditions, availability, or other reasons. Knowing this, I completely understand people who want to be vaccinated and people who don’t. I try to keep a co-exist, your-body-your-choice type of approach with a lot of things, and this is no different. There are going to be risks with whatever decision a person makes. I just made the choice that I felt was the best for me.
*Please note that some state regulations and general information may have changed since I began writing this article.