I’m fully vaccinated and I’m feeling free at last. Thanking God Almighty, I am feeling free enough to move around in my community.

I know of others who are no interested and/or willing to get the vaccine, especially given the not-too-distant reality of the Tuskegee Syphilis Study.  I can understand their skepticism towards needles and large-scale study initiatives. American medical history has not been kind to us and the malpractices they have committed while documented, still continue to be a problem today. I had a dear friend of mine shared a document detailing how to legally decline the vaccine. I informed her that while gracious of her to share, I had chosen to accept the vaccine. I wanted her to know that I wanted to serve as an example within my circle of friends and family. My other reason for my decision was because as a care provider, I want to protect those individuals I care for.

I am fortunate enough to receive my second vaccine last week and as of now, I am protected against COVID-19. It was a small step for herd immunity, but a giant step for my personal sense of certainty and assurance.

MY STORY

See, if you’re anything like me and have a strained relationship with obtaining flu shots, then you can probably understand my initial skittishness to getting the vaccine. When I went to get vaccinated, the lines were already long at 8 AM (the doors opened at 10 AM). I was accompanied by my friend, sister, and brother-in-law. Since my friend was a nurse, we felt that our presence would help support those whom we met in-line. It took two hours to make it to the front and get my 2^nd dose. I had a sore arm and felt extremely unwell the next day but after the effects subsided, I felt fine enough to resume my life as planned. Side note and pro-tip, please drink lots of water! It will help you immensely. 

Once I got over that hurdle, I felt an immense sense of relief. And that feeling alone was the best reassurance I received after this year-long ordeal.

MY CHALLENGE

Extend a hand to family, friends and community who may be of need of assistance:

• friends and family members that might need extra assistance with registration or with transportation so that people can get vaccinated once they become eligible,
• friends and family members may have signs and symptoms (body ache, headache, fatigue, or even fever) that an individual may experience that are related their body’s own immune response.  Check on them after they take the vaccine and see if they need help or assistance.
• encourage friends and family members to connect with their health provider if their signs or symptoms become significant.

Be blessed!!