A shot towards normalcy?

Dividing some and uniting others, the controversy over the COVID-19 vaccine has been a common topic of conversation as we’ve entered the new year. As more shots are being distributed each day, many question whether or not we’re reaching the light at the end of the tunnel.

First given out in New York, the vaccine has been out to the public since December of 2020. Since then, more and more doses have been shipped across the country as research shows the vaccine has been effective. Taken in either one dose (Johnson and Johnson shot) or two separate doses (Moderna or Pfizer shots), the vaccine has been said to be most effective two weeks after the most recent dose. While it’s unknown just how long this protection lasts, there are still many signing up for their chance to become vaccinated.

Christy Chambers, a pediatric nurse working at TEC Cooperative in Walpole, received the vaccine in two doses during phase one of its release. After each of her shots, Christy claimed to have had side effects shortly after.

“My head felt weird, my brain felt strange...I don't know how to describe it - it was a weird, strange feeling. In the evening I got absolutely exhausted and so I just went to bed; I’ve never been more exhausted in my life" she said.

Despite these side effects, Christy stressed that getting the vaccine is definitely worth it because of the freedom that comes with it and the protection it brings towards others.

“I would do it again... My husband is on dialysis and has numerous medical conditions so for me I don't have to worry about him, my grandchildren, or the people here at work who are very vulnerable. It was like going to the candy store. I don't see why you wouldn’t get the shot, regardless of the side effects" she said.

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) states “The eligibility criteria for vaccination is determined by each state and territory… While CDC makes recommendations for who should be offered COVID-19 vaccine first, each state has its own plan for deciding who will be vaccinated first and how they can receive vaccines.”

In Massachusetts, the vaccine is being distributed in three different phases, those of highest priority receiving their vaccine in the first phase. The Massachusetts government stated that these three phases “reflect several priorities: protecting our most vulnerable, maintaining health care system capacity, and addressing inequities in health care access and COVID-19 burden.”

Phase one, starting in December of 2020, released the vaccine to those of highest priority which consisted of people amongst the likes of health care workers and first responders. Phase two, which is currently in place, consists of people such as the elderly (65 and older), K-12 educators, and school staff. As for phase three, the Massachusetts government just announced that vaccines for the general public (ages 16 and older) will launch on April 19, 2021.

Norwood High School teacher Julie Treloar, who received the vaccine in phase two, also talked about her experience. With teachers recently getting on the list to be the next recipients of the COVID-19 vaccine, she was able to get her chance at becoming vaccinated. Having recently gotten the single-dose Johnson and Johnson vaccine, she claims how she’s grateful to have received the vaccine as we begin to cut down on restrictions.

“I would've been very upset if DESE had made us return to full in-person learning without the opportunity to be vaccinated, so when I heard we were eligible I was relieved. I wouldn't have minded waiting for my age group if we stayed with the hybrid schedule, but if they wanted to loosen restrictions, I thought it was only right that they provide us (and our families, students, students' families) with protection” she said.

Now, even with many having their minds set on getting their chance to be vaccinated with hopes of returning to life as we had once known it, there are still those who are hesitant. Many of those choosing not to receive the vaccine believe it’s hard to trust a vaccine that is still so new and some fear the possibility of side effects that will arise in the future. 

With all being said, it’s important to note that you can’t get the vaccine right away. With many eager to get their hands on a vaccination, there is a variety of sign-ups online through which you can pre-register for a vaccination location- but the wait can last a long while. 

For more information about the vaccine in the state of Massachusetts, visit https://www.mass.gov/covid-19-vaccine. For more information about the vaccine in general, visit https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/index.html.