Look, no one besides a medical professional can tell you how you should treat your health— which is why you should listen to one. In all seriousness though, there are understandable concerns when it comes to receiving a COVID-19 vaccine. I know I was hesitant when I first heard about this ‘miracle shot’ with the power to stop this pandemic. How was a vaccine made so fast? How can we be sure it wasn’t rushed with potentially unseen side effects? Why should someone take the risk of the vaccine if their immune system is strong enough for COVID-19? I am not here to dictate what decisions you should be making with your body. I am here to answer these questions and hopefully provide enough information for someone to make an intelligent decision.

Although it may be hard to believe, the main COVID-19 vaccines are safe and effective. The reason why development was able to go by so fast was because of the surge of funding and volunteers. All eyes were following the development as it was a top priority. Just like any other vaccine, it has been monitored closely and undergone immense testing. The reason why the testing phase was shorter than most other vaccinations is because different testing stages were able to be conducted simultaneously— not because any corners were cut in the development. 

But what about the blood clotting issue with the Johnson and Johnson vaccine? Well, not only is that an incredibly, incredibly rare and treatable side effect (around 7 per 1,000,000 middle-aged women who received the vaccine were affected by this issue), but the issue has been identified and administration of the vaccine has been safely resumed. If you are still hesitant to trust J&J, then simply request the Pfizer shot. COVID-19 is more dangerous than any of the side effects of the shot. People wonder about the potential long-term effects of the vaccine, but no one seems to wonder about the long-term effects of COVID-19.

There is just so much more that we do not know about the virus that I think a vaccine is worth the small and insignificant risk. Some people do not feel the same way, and that is understandable; however, it is not just you that the vaccine is protecting. Your family, friends and neighbors can all be at risk if you are not vaccinated.

Having the shot greatly reduces the chance of you carrying the virus and transmitting it to others. This is a case-by-case basis for everyone, but if you refuse the vaccine out of sheer laziness or lack of motivation, you should know you are responsible for putting your peers at risk. You may be fine with the risk, but are they?

You can help build herd immunity. I for one am done with masks, social distancing and quarantines, and judging by the lack of these procedures taking place in recent months, I am sure most other people are tired of this lifestyle too. We must be careful to not quit at the finish line. People—American lives—loved ones— are still dying every day despite vaccines being free and readily available in most areas to anyone above 18-years-old. Everyone can do their part to stop this; it only works if everyone gets the shot. Not for you, but your community. Yes, you can save a life by just getting a shot. 

At the very least, you should consider the vaccine just so you can help life get back to normal, as no one wants another quarantine. We will not have to see a single mask next school year if enough people do their job. There are numerous benefits to getting a vaccine. If you truly think you are one of those rare cases where you should not receive a vaccine, talk to your doctor; otherwise, I urge you to reconsider if you have not already made plans to get vaccinated.