It is no secret that COVID-19 has affected everyone in some shape or form. Surely, everyone would want things to go back to normal, right? Wouldn’t you want to go sit at a restaurant without a mask, or maybe you want to walk in a store maskless? These are just a handful of things people want, and to get closer to our goal we must get our vaccines (while also continuing to follow the CDC guidelines appropriately).
Maybe people who don’t want to get the vaccine have a fear of shots and the thought of something as sharp as a needle pricking their arm would scare them, or some may even be scared of the side effects that come with each vaccine. Though, the important thing to remember is that side effects treat everyone differently depending on your immune system and how strong it is.

Now, here’s the big issue: why won’t people get their vaccines? According to a poll that was published by Monmouth University, they found that 1 in 5 Americans won’t get the vaccine. The polls were also conducted before federal agencies put the Johnson & Johnson vaccine on pause, as they determine whether or not or to what extent that vaccine contributed to a rare type of blood clot. Many fear that the pause will contribute to vaccine hesitation and distrust.

However, the main reasons for the reluctance on the shot vary, but the top one, cited by 17% of respondents, is that the vaccine is too new, and there’s not enough information about it or its long-term effects are unknown. The three next most common reasons are that they don’t believe the vaccine is effective, and they don’t need it and they don’t know what’s in it. Other reasons were that a handful of people were simply anti-vax and were not concerned about catching the virus or spreading it. Nearly a third of adults in the U.S. have gotten at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine so far, but researchers warn that vaccine refusal may keep the country from reaching herd immunity.

Though, there are some restrictions on who and who can’t get the vaccine for now. The eligibility criteria for vaccination is determined by each state. Pharmacies will focus on vaccinating individuals who are eligible for vaccination based on a specific criteria. These population groups may include healthcare workers, other essential workers, and elderly people.

Fortunately, a lot of people were on the fence about getting the shot just a few weeks ago, but tons of people have come to believe that they need to protect themselves and others, and vaccination is the best way to do that. I hope things can go back to normal swiftly with these vaccines and I’m confident that 2022 will be brighter than 2020/2021.

***This opinion article reflects the voice of the writer and does not necessarily represent the views of The Viking Times as a whole.  Like most news outlets, The Viking Times is a non-partisan media platform.***