The COVID-19 vaccines have finally been created and are being distributed. There are still a lot of questions and concerns regarding it though. In a poll conducted by The Green and White Review, only 16% of respondents said they would get the vaccine when it was available. Another 36% said maybe, and 48% said no.

One of the most popular concerns of MVHS students is the use of RNA as opposed to DNA. Circulating conspiracy theories say that RNA will alter people's DNA. However, according to the CDC, this rumor is false. Despite the similarities in their acronyms, RNA does not affect DNA. RNA is only meant to help your body create a necessary protein to fight off the virus. This new method used for vaccines has been thoroughly studied for the last decade.

Lindsay Cornell, the nurse here at the high school, says, “I do believe that it is an exciting time in science exploring alternate options for protection of our immune system. I understand the concern that people may have as not a lot of time has passed to fully evaluate side effects, longevity, or efficacy specific to Covid-19 even though the CDC have been researching the use of mRNA for years in cancer and other viral studies. I feel as though everyone has to do their own due diligence to make an educated decision on what is best for themselves and their families. “ She also mentions a website for Missourians and their common questions on COVID. If you are seeking answers, click here.

Past vaccines were created by introducing a weakened strain of the illness in question into the human body so the body will build the antibodies necessary to fight it off. The benefits of using the new form of vaccines is that not only is it easier to create as ingredients are more available, but the vaccine's efficacy rates are much higher, meaning people also have almost no chance of getting COVID-19 because of the vaccine.

In the same poll, students were asked how long they thought it would take for the vaccine to become widely available. They were split evenly between less than and more than six months, both with 40%. Only 20% of students guessed it would take a year or more.

One of the biggest questions stems from availability. Vaccines tend to be a slow process and the COVID-19 vaccine is the fastest vaccine ever created. Some vaccinations have already been distributed. Certain groups of people are set to get them first, such as healthcare workers and those particularly susceptible to the virus.

The quick rate at which this vaccine was developed causes concern for many people. They wonder if it’s as safe as others, if scientists really know what it will do for or to the body. The CDC reassures people that regardless of the speed, the COVID-19 vaccine went through the exact same process as every other vaccine.

Another popular comment from students is that they will be waiting to see the affects the vaccine has on others before they themselves will be open to getting it. The vaccine will only be available to certain groups of people at first, such as those with underlying illnesses and the elderly. It will be a while before most students will be able to get vaccinated.

For more information on the vaccine:

• COVID-19 Vaccines-CDC

• Understanding mRNA COVID vaccines-CDC

• Frequently Asked Questions about the COVID-19 vaccine-CDC

It’s been decided that there will now be a monthly book review for the new Gateway library books. There will be reviews on two books at random for each month, so look forward to that!

First up, there’s The Cruel Prince by Holly Black, which falls into the genres of fantasy, young adult, and romance. This book has a 41% (majority) 5 star rating out of 253,327 total ratings, according to Goodreads.

The following summary is given by Goodreads:

“Jude was seven when her parents were murdered and she and her two sisters were stolen away to live in the treacherous High Court of Faerie. Ten years later, Jude wants nothing more than to belong there, despite her mortality. But many of the fey despise humans. Especially Prince Cardan, the youngest and wickedest son of the High King. To win a place at the Court, she must defy him–and face the consequences. As Jude becomes more deeply embroiled in palace intrigues and deceptions, she discovers her own capacity for trickery and bloodshed. But as betrayal threatens to drown the Courts of Faerie in violence, Jude will need to risk her life in a dangerous alliance to save her sisters, and Faerie itself”

A Goodreads user named Emma Giordano, who gave the book a 5 star rating, wrote, “A wondrous fantasy novel that is easy to get invested in. So many great plot twists and high-intensity, suspenseful moments! TW: murder, physical abuse, sexual abuse, suicide...I also enjoyed the fact that this is not a romance novel. Though it is weaved in here and there, I feel the overarching plot becomes full of politics as the story progresses”

Our second book is titled Flight Season by Marie Marquardt. The genres are realistic fiction, young adult, contemporary, and romance. This book has a 40% (majority) 5 star rating out of 784 total ratings, also according to Goodreads.

The following summary is given by Goodreads:

“Back when they were still strangers, TJ Carvalho witnessed the only moment in Vivi Flannigan’s life when she lost control entirely. Now, TJ can’t seem to erase that moment from his mind, no matter how hard he tries. Vivi doesn’t remember any of it, but she’s determined to leave it far behind. And she will. But when Vivi returns home from her first year away at college, her big plans and TJ’s ambition to become a nurse land them both on the heart ward of a university hospital, facing them with a long and painful summer together – three months of glorified babysitting for Ángel, the problem patient on the hall. Sure, Ángel may be suffering from a life-threatening heart infection, but that doesn’t make him any less of a pain. As it turns out, though, Ángel Solís has a thing or two to teach them about all those big plans, and the incredible moments when love gets in their way.”

A user by the name of Warda expressed, “I didn’t connect too much with the story at first, but I think that was intentional. The main character wasn’t connected to herself...I absolutely loved and appreciated how the author incorporated the realities of what it means to be an immigrant...It was heartbreaking to read. All of it. But the friendship these three characters formed was absolutely incredible to read about. I was crying by the end of it.”

If there is any interest in these fine reads, please be sure to place these books on hold or visit the library as soon as possible and pick up your copy!

Valentine’s Day: people have mixed opinions on this holiday. A day reserved for showing extra love and adoration towards friends, family, or significant others. A day everyone wants to feel loved.

Sometimes though, not everyone has that special someone that can do that for them. It’s more than normal to feel lonely on Valentine’s Day. In this, you will find how to show yourself that love you long for and deserve.

Instead of worrying about finding that perfect gift or planning the perfect date, there are many other things that one can do. Whether it be buying chocolates and watching rom-coms, indulging in a good meal, looking at things that make you happy, or having a dance party by yourself to self love anthems.

A few feel-good rom-coms to watch this holiday are 10 Things I Hate About You, Never Been Kissed, and About Time. You can also never go wrong listening to Taylor Swift or Ariana Grande.

All in all, self love is worth celebrating too. It’s important to remember that Valentine’s Day is only one day out of the entire year, just a day to show extra love. Be your own Valentine this year if you want. You deserve it.

By Kandice Williams