A major step in controlling the spread of COVID-19 has been made as vaccines are being distributed across the United States. With the expanding distribution, there is much controversy concerning several aspects of the vaccine. Due to the increasing cases of COVID-19, the vaccine and its distribution has given hope to many while also stirring fear in others because it is new and was created quickly.
According to John Hopkins Medicine, the purpose of the vaccine is to protect those who come in contact with others who have COVID-19. The United States Safety System is in place to ensure that all vaccines are safe and can be distributed to humans. This is done by conducting clinical trials, ensuring that the vaccine meets FDA standards and by documenting the problems and side effects of the vaccine.
Currently, the CDC reports that the only side effects of the vaccine include pain, swelling and redness at the injection site, along with chills, headaches and tiredness. Senior education major Ashley Moore shares that her mom is a healthcare worker and has received the vaccine.
“When my mom got the vaccine, she had no symptoms for her first shot but for the second shot she did have body aches but no other symptoms,” Moore said.
There is controversy about who should receive the vaccine and when. According to the CDC, there are three phases of groups that should receive the vaccine.
The CDC suggests that healthcare workers should receive the vaccine first. The second suggested phase includes frontline essential workers such as police officers, teachers and grocery store workers, along with those who are 75 years and older.
And, currently, their last suggested phase includes those who are 65-74 years old, 16-64 years old with underlying conditions and other essential workers in fields like transportation, food services and public health.
“I think that all health care professionals, the elderly, and teachers should receive the vaccine, Moore said. “They should be first to get it because they work directly with people and the elderly are more at risk if they do get sick.”
Taylor McNair, a junior elementary education major, shares a similar opinion to Moore concerning who should receive the vaccine.
“I definitely agree with healthcare workers and the elderly receiving prioritized vaccines soon,” McNair said. “And being an education major, I hope to see teachers receiving them soon.”
But McNair also shared a concern he has with the vaccine.
“I am concerned about the distribution speed and if what we are currently doing is too little too late,” he said.
As more people continue to receive the vaccine, many hope that, along with social distancing and mask-wearing, the vaccine will help slow the spread of the virus and there will be a visible decrease in COVID-19 cases around the world.
Junior sports management major Patrick Williams says his hope is that the vaccine will be “executed properly and more precautions are taken place” in order to slow the COVID-19 spread.
