While some students are overjoyed that they got a COVID vaccine, others think they don’t need it.
Sophomore Nate Ross is choosing not to get the vaccine, “I don’t really have a reason to get it,” he said. He believes he’d be alright if he got the virus because he has a strong immune system. He said that he would get a vaccine “to protect other people” if required for his sport, wrestling.
Junior Jared Murphy-Willis shares the same reasons for choosing not to get a vaccine. “I’m 17 years old and healthy, so COVID is not at all a concern for my health.” He added that the public doesn’t know the long-term health impacts from the vaccine, “especially for people our age.” The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that most children/teenagers show no or moderate symptoms; young people can still pass the virus to others and can get COVID-19 severely if they have another health condition. Even with side effects of the vaccine, the Moderna vaccine was documented as 94.1% effective and Pfizer vaccine was 95% effective.
Freshman Marco Hernandez was part of a Pfizer vaccine trial for children 12-15 years of age and got his vaccine at Kaiser Permanente Medical Center. Hernandez says the process consisted of having his blood drawn, getting COVID-tested and vaccinated. He was given a phone to document weekly how he felt and must go back for the next two years to have his blood drawn. For participating in this trial, he’ll receive up to a $1,000 payment throughout the two years. He says, “I did it mostly for the money, but I also did it so I know I am safer from the virus…”
Briana Le, a junior, received the Pfizer vaccine at McClellan Park. Her grandmother was diagnosed with type 4 lung cancer and played a part in her decision to take the vaccine, as well as her wanting to help protect her peers. “I did hear about the side effects, but I think those are better than having COVID,” she said.
Lauren Batchelor (Pictured to the right) is fully vaccinated with the Pfizer vaccine. The senior said that during her vaccination, “The nurses were very helpful” and helped her understand “exactly what they were going to be doing.” Her aunt, who’s a nurse, told her to get it. Batchelor wanted it immediately, which meant a 40-minute drive to CVS pharmacy in Dixon, the only place available to get it at the time.
As of now, Pfizer reports that the vaccine trial for the 12-15 year-olds is a success and it is waiting for approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to authorize it.