Don Lugo students share their perspective on receiving the COVID-19 Vaccine
COVID-19 vaccine shot being held by doctor (Photo Courtesy of Abel F. Ros)
January 27, 2021
With a COVID-19 vaccine starting to be administered to people all around the United States, some students have already started to consider the positives and negatives of receiving it. Twelve 16+ Don Lugo students eligible to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine shared their opinions on scientists’ latest discovery, with 66% choosing to try the vaccine as soon as they could.
Most had similar reasons ongoing for the vaccine, tied into protecting family and friends; Jason Cruz went so far as to say that it was, “The smart thing to do.” Analis Chavez and Jason Navarrete, two other Don Lugo upperclassmen agreed that they wanted the vaccine as it would do their part in helping the world return to normal as they keep their family and friends safe.
“I would be interested in getting immunity from this virus however experiencing it firsthand may prove better than having a diluted strain.” – Lucas Ballard
The students who chose not to take the vaccine when it becomes available offered their reasoning. Gloria Camacho said she would not be interested in the vaccine as it “seems too soon. I am grateful to all the people who put in the hard work to make it, but it has been only roughly a year. I would not go out of my way to take it. I would only really consider it if it meant the difference from going back to school for my senior year or not.” Other student’s reasons included their fear of needles and desire to “not be the guinea pigs.”
While most students seemed to be content with trying the vaccine for immunity, some thought that experiencing the sickness firsthand would prove to be more effective. Lucas Ballard, a Don Lugo Senior, said, “I would be interested in getting immunity from this virus however experiencing it firsthand may prove better than having a diluted strain.”
Even the students that said no all seemed to say that once the vaccines got more testing or were cited mandatory, they would be okay with getting it. Daniela Tapia summarized what most students said, “I would be interested in taking the vaccine because it would not only be protecting me but others as well.”
