Due to the rapid spread of the Covid-19 virus, a vaccine has been pushed faster and harder than ever to get out into the world. There are many mixed opinions about if it works and if it is safe. Since it was rushed by the public, it did not pass all the tests that a normal vaccine would have to go through to get verified for usage. There are many benefits and setbacks to the vaccine because of phases, timing, money, presentations, side effects, and opinions from the public.  

  

       The Covid-19 vaccine is becoming very requested by people who need and want it. Due to the large number of people in the world, they have put phases on who and when certain people get to get the vaccine. The first stage/phase is Phase 1A. This phase is for people who are healthcare workers and are exposed to it every day. They must be some of the first ones to get it because they are normally tending to people who have it. They are more susceptible to get it and be badly harmed by it. Another group that is first to receive the vaccine are people in healthcare facilities, such as people who cannot physically, mentally, or emotionally live on their own. They must get it early because if they were to get the illness they would most likely be seriously sick or even die due to health problems. 

        

        The next phase is Phase 1B. This phase is for people 65 and older and other workers who must be in the middle of things to keep the world safe. Some of those people include teachers, first responders, transportation of goods, and people who grow and sell food. They will get it now because they help make the world go around and if they all get sick then it will be very hard for other people to live. The next phase is Phase 1C. These people who get to receive the vaccine are normal people who are at high risk of furthering their negative impact from the illness. They normally have underlying health conditions that will make the sickness ten times as worse than if healthy, normal person were to get it. Finally, when the last phase comes (Phase 2), all other people above the age of 16 can go and receive the vaccine.    

  

      The government and health department have recently come out with the order that no one under the age of 16 can get the vaccine due to health issues. Since that rule is now out, tons of students will not get the chance to receive the vaccine.  

       

        I have had the chance to interview two teachers (Toni Salmon and Karen Yung) at Rockvale Middle School about their experience with getting the Covid-19 vaccine. They have shared the symptoms, pain level, wait lines, and other things that they went through before and after receiving the vaccine.   

  

     “The process from there was quite easy and seamless!” Mrs. Yung stated.  

  

      Mrs. Salmon proclaimed, “Getting the first shot was an interesting experience.”   

  

      Due to our county being behind others in timing for access to the vaccine, these two teachers had to go out of the county to get theirs. The first shot seemed to be effortless and harmless; however, they both quoted that their arm did hurt at the injection site. They both had to stay in their cars to get the shot for sanitary and social distancing reasons. They both got their second shot and did feel a little drowsy afterwards. They had some symptoms such as headaches, fever, chills, and fatigue. The still had to drive out of the county to receive them, but they are very happy to get the chance to be some of the first ones to get it.  

  

      In essence, the Covid-19 vaccine is making a big impact on our world. The vaccine is helping to prevent people from getting this deadly virus. There are many health risks and controversy around the vaccine, but it has already helped a lot of people and will continue to grow and change every day. This virus is serous and has spread everywhere, but the Covid-19 vaccine is here to help. 

  

 More facts and information can be found at https://www.cdc.gov.