Why I Will Be Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine
On Nov. 9, Pfizer and BioNTech announced that their COVID-19 vaccine was found to be more than 90% effective in preventing people from contracting the novel coronavirus. On Nov. 16, Moderna announced their COVID-19 vaccine to have an efficacy of 94.5%.
I had zero expectations for news of a potential vaccine. I had started to lose hope and had accepted that my current reality of reduced contact, shielding, and fear every time someone around me coughed or sneezed would be all I knew for a very long time.
I was extremely happy upon hearing the news. I suddenly thought about things becoming normal again, which was something I had looked forward to but was not expecting to happen.
This news instantly lifted my spirits. I think of myself as a naturally positive person, but I guess constant exposure to bad news diminished my hope.
There is still a long way to go in terms of ensuring the vaccine’s safety and distributing it effectively. Regardless, I am so thankful to learn that medical advances are being made. I am becoming more hopeful.
When discussing this news with those close to me, I expected to hear more positive opinions. This was not the case. “I’m not getting a vaccine” is the response I have heard over and over again, and this took me by surprise.
This just reiterated how seriously people have to take this pandemic. Because I am extremely clinically vulnerable due to sickle cell disease, I will get vaccinated as soon as a safe option becomes available. I have to do my part to protect myself, especially if those around me aren’t as concerned about catching the virus.
Whenever a new medication or vaccination is developed, I understand that people may feel very apprehensive to use it for a range of different reasons. However, this virus and the threat it poses are very real, so I need to act with my best interests in mind.
I have to trust that scientists and researchers are doing their part to make it as safe as possible. They have guidelines and criteria they must fulfill, so I take comfort in that. I look forward to hearing more good news.
How did you feel when you heard about the COVID-19 vaccine? Do you intend to get vaccinated when one becomes available? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Note: Sickle Cell Anemia News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Sickle Cell Anemia News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to sickle cell anemia.
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Comments
Hopeful dad
Ever since my daughter's pain became a daily struggle I pray for anything to help her pain. The only thing worse than my inability to erase her pain is the pain she feels with no relief in sight.
Helen C Williams
I have sickle beta + thalassemia and am a senior citizen, just turned 70 years old with multiple other health problems including heart failure. As I read about the vaccine and how they were developed using the RNA strand, I am finding less to be afraid of with regard to receiving one of them. I already take all the vaccines recommended for sickle patients (pneumonia, flu, meningitis, etc) and think I will take this vaccine when it becomes available. It's bad enough to be fearful of the usual conditions, but to add the Corona virus takes everything to another level. Yes, my doctor and I will discuss this vaccine and when I can, I will take it. Thank you for your opinion and I agree with you, wholeheartedly!
Robert
You make a very good point. We trust the scientist but not the politics behind them pushing the rush of this vaccine. With that said you give me something to think about regarding my son who has SCD. Him being protected when half of the world is refusing to help would give me peace of mind.
Michael Umoren
Thank u so much for this website i really do appreciate it. I felt hopeless but this website has given me hope for the future.
Lorrene
Hello all the way from the USA. I'M a 64 year old with SS disease. I plan on getting the vaccine as soon as possible. Pray that there will be no side effects. Ii know it's scary but I have learned is that it is not the live virus that is being I injected, so it should be safe.
Jason
I've got sickle cell trait and had an awful reaction to the vaccine. Worse than when I actually had covid last year. Fever temperature head aches in a lot of pain. Be careful! I'm a 35 year old black male
Camille Gladden
I am 43 years old living with SCA, and I am skeptical about taking the vaccine. I spoke with my physicians, Pulmonologist, Hematology, and my PCP. My PCP explained how the vaccine works, and my Hematologist knows how I feel about vaccines. As a nurse I realized they did not tech in depth the process and making of vaccines, but we had to learn the schedules. And as old as I am the series of vaccinations required has changed since I was a child. I am grateful for the ones that have worked and are needed as a child, and many of the illnesses though that require vaccination some of them have diminished due to proper use of vaccines. However, I'd like more information and sometimes finding it is like a needle in the hay stack, so if you can lead me to some research articles on the vaccines, like where or how was this mRNA vaccine developed where did this mRNA derive from? I know the benefits may outweigh the risks especially for those like myself with SCA, but I need to know more and prayerfully make a decision on this and be well informed to make an informed decision.