This is my understanding and the reasons why I have chosen to get the vaccine:
I am immunocompromised, which means that ANY additional illness puts extra strain on my body and my internal organs. My organs are already prone to inflammation and attacks from my immune system, and the introduction of any virus or bacteria just adds more misery.
I am in full understanding that even after being fully vaccinated, I will have to continue taking extra precautions to preserve my health. I have been taking precautions for my health since I was 14, it's just that right now there is a new and rampant virus - so I need extra protection. That means that even after being vaccinated, I know that I will have to carry on wearing masks and social distancing. I'm not going to go about having parties or attending large celebrations, because the vaccine helps protect me from the worst symptoms, as well as some protection from contraction, but not 100% protection.
My being vaccinated - if it can reduce the likelihood of contracting the virus - also means reduced spread to other people; others who may not be able to get vaccinated or who have no yet received a vaccine. It also helps protect people who are immunocompromised. Anything that I can do to help reduce the spread of this virus is worth looking into.
An additional reason I have decided on vaccination is that I am a singer. One of the most severe and most common symptoms is damage to the lungs. Long-term damage. Life-altering lung damage. While I may be confident that I might be able to fight off the virus in the long-run, there are long-term consequences of this virus that I AM afraid of. I already have a multitude of chronic symptoms due to illness, the last thing I need is to add additional chronic symptoms, especially symptoms that would negatively affect the hobbies that keep me sane.
Regarding the side effects of the vaccine:
Of COURSE I was nervous to be vaccinated. Being nervous does not mean that it's inherently dangerous. It means that I have read and I have acknowledged that there are risks. In fact, I have had severe allergic reactions to vaccinations in the past (Flu/H1N1 combo vaccine). I have also had severe reactions to over a dozen common medications. My risk level is actually quite high for vaccine complications.
I have still chosen to receive the vaccine. That is my personal choice. I have made this choice based on weighing both the negative and positive information that can be found everywhere. My personal viewpoint is to put my trust in science and a whole lot of hope. Vaccinating, for me, means an extra layer of protection for me AND FOR THOSE AROUND ME.
There are people who cannot receive the vaccine, there are people who are nervous about receiving the vaccine who are opting to wait, there are people who are like me - with various medical issues - who are consulting with their families and physicians to try and make that decision. Yes, it is a personal decision.
In my opinion, my very personal opinion, there may be a hundred reasons not to get the vaccine, but there are a hundred more reasons to get it. The reasons, again in my opinion, to receive the vaccine also bear more weight. For me. For my family.
I am looking forward to receiving my second dose. I am also watching for any symptoms of a negative reaction. I am also alert to days after vaccination for signs of blood clots. Additionally, I am aware that I will continue to socially distance myself and wear masks around others. The vaccine is an extra layer of protection that I need, on top of the measures already being taken.
Hopefully, in the coming months, we can see a significant reduction in cases and see fewer restrictions, but I am choosing to follow them because they provide me, my family, my friends, and the general public with some protection against a virus over which we have no real control.
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