As 2020 neared to an end and the new year first began, word of a new Covid-19 vaccine spread throughout the world.
Many people across the country are debating whether or not a vaccine would be necessary to get us out of this tricky situation.
There are many people who worry about the possible side effects that may come with choosing to take the vaccine.
In comparison to that, there are a lot of other people who argue that even if there are side effects, it’s still better to take those possible risks over remaining unprotected from the virus.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states: “COVID-19 vaccination will help protect you from getting COVID-19. You may have some side effects, which are normal signs that your body is building protection. These side effects may affect your ability to do daily activities, but they should go away in a few days.”
The CDC also states that individuals should take not one, but two COVID-19 shots. “With most COVID-19 vaccines, you will need 2 shots in order for them to work. Get the second shot even if you have side effects after the first shot, unless a vaccination provider or your doctor tells you not to get a second shot. It takes time for your body to build protection after any vaccination. COVID-19 vaccines that require 2 shots may not protect you until a week or two after your second shot.”
Theresa Marzullo, one of AT’s science teachers, discussed these standpoints and explained some of our best options.
“I believe in science. I am both amazed and thankful for the brilliant doctors and researchers that have been able to study the novel corona -19 virus and be able to devise a vaccine in such a short period of time. I know that scares some people,” she said.
“These researchers were working around the clock to be able to make this possible. Even though this is a new mRNA vaccine these vaccines have been studied for decades. With that being said, there are always some risks to a vaccine. That is why you get the paper explaining those risks every time you get one. Every individual should read those.”
Although there might be risks to taking a vaccine, you do have the opportunity to research these effects and how they will affect you as an individual, especially if you have any allergies or health problems.
“However, I believe the risks of the vaccine far outweigh the risks of contracting Covid-19 especially not knowing what the long term effects of Covid-19 are going to have on people,” she added.
Marzullo further states that a vaccine is our best option to stop the spread of the virus.
She plans on taking it, and recommends that everyone does the same in order to take action in protecting not only yourself, but others around you as well.
In addition, teachers are now eligible to receive the vaccine, so AT teachers will now have the vaccine available to them.
The COVID-19 vaccine seems to be our best option in escaping this pandemic and to help in slowly returning back to normal.
