COVID-19 has been around for nearly two years and it indeed feels like the “new normal”. To help prevent the further spread of COVID, agencies like the FDA and CDC have recommended those over the age of twelve receive the COVID vaccine. In the event of contracting coronavirus, the COVID vaccines will help protect individuals and help them fight off the virus, stimulating your immune system to produce antibodies. Within one to two days of getting the vaccine, one might develop side effects such as pain or swelling at the site of the vaccine, headache, fever, nausea, etc.

When anonymous students were asked if they were vaccinated, I received mixed answers. Some felt as though they did the right thing to get vaccinated. Some felt that they didn’t need to get vaccinated. Here are the responses:

• “Yes, I am fully vaccinated. I thought it was the right thing to do, it will help protect me and others from COVID.”

• “No, I am not vaccinated. I wanted to hold off and see how others would react and respond to the vaccine before taking it myself.”

• “No, not yet. But I will get vaccinated soon, I’m scheduled for my first dose next week!”

• “I got vaccinated recently. I had a headache for a day after the first dose. But, I didn’t feel anything after the second dose”.

Vaccines are a very debatable topic -- some people feel that it is the right thing to do, while others feel like they should choose for themselves. Places all over the world are starting to place vaccine mandates on businesses, schools, and hospitals, which are very controversial. In most places, you will need to show proof of vaccination with a vaccination card. An individual has the choice of being fully vaccinated or undergoing weekly testing, which can be tedious after a while. Several major cities including Los Angeles, New York, London, and Paris have been filled with crowds of thousands of people participating in anti-vaccination protests. 

Having seen both sides of the argument, you choose... will you get the vaccine or not?