Patagonia High School April 21. 32 vaccinations were given at the event, which was sponsored by South32. Photo by Robert Gay
We are all understandably a little bit jumpy when it comes to the vaccine. Some are outright against what they do not understand, and there are others that are taking it on faith that the scientists of our country know what they are doing.
For me I viewed it as a means to an end. My reasoning was simple: We’ve got to do something. Naturally, I had my own fears. On the day of my first shot I sat down and dramatically wrote all our passwords and banking information out for Zach. Given all my allergies I wasn’t sure if I wouldn’t end up in a heap on the floor. I sat in the chair at the vaccination clinic waiting my 30 minutes only to end up with a sore arm.
Over the following month every random pain, itch, or headache I had, I secretly wondered if it was the vaccine. All the while the media droned on, daily highlighting the negative vaccine news. As I laid in bed at night, I thought I could hear it altering my DNA.
By the time, my second shot rolled around, all the people in my life had had theirs too and it gave me comfort. Either we’d all be safe together or we’d all have lizard tails by the summer – a concept I had grown to accept. As of today, I am fully vaccinated and so are most of my loved ones, including Zach.
As the days roll on, my anxiety about the vaccine has subsided. I no longer associate my aches and pains with my possible DNA annihilation. Instead, I can go to work now with a renewed confidence and less fear. I am also extremely grateful. So grateful that I volunteered my time at the vaccine clinic to pay back all that was given to me. I spent my day sanitizing tables, monitoring patients and helping people receive their vaccines.
I saw the same look of worry and relief on their faces as I’m sure I had and if any of them were like me they went home and started to blame every creak and pop on the vaccine. I tried to reassure as many people as I could that they would be fine.
Just the other day my husband Zach approached me with a serious look on his face. He had an itchy rash on his arm, and he was concerned because he had never felt this before. He said, “Now I don’t want to sound crazy, but do you think this is because of the vaccine?” I turned off the evening news and replied, “No dear. It’s a rash. I’ll get you some cream.” I guess he needs a little more time.
Vaccines are available to everyone now. If you are able, get one. We could all be together again by summer.