There have been many questions surrounding the release of the new Covid-19 vaccine. Who can get it, how do we get it, and is it safe? All of these questions are valid and for many, still in the process of being answered. Once availability and access have been made clear, the biggest question still remains; do I want to get vaccinated?
I chose to get the vaccine, and received my first dose two weeks ago. For those of you still deliberating, I want to tell you why I made the choice that I did.
Like many of you, I would like to see a return to normalcy, and I believe that this vaccine will move us toward that goal. Yes, this vaccine was created and approved in record time, but after looking through the research, I could honestly say that I trust the process of approval for this vaccine. In addition, I believe that my role in home care is a great responsibility, not only to protect and care for individuals, but also to act as a leader in times of uncertainty or distress. Getting the vaccine felt like the right thing to do to protect those I serve and those I work with in addition to my family. I am currently living with my dad and taking care of him. He is suffering from Brain Cancer and is immunocompromised. As his primary care giver, I feel a responsibility to do all that I can to protect him.
This week, I will be taking my second dose and I am glad that I made the choice to take the vaccine.
If you are still on the fence regarding the vaccine, I urge you to continue to research the vaccines available and continue to ask yourself why. Why should I get vaccinated? Why not?
Rachel Manchester
HCAW President