In December, the first COVID vaccines were approved for use.  The vaccines may bring an end to the ongoing pandemic that has changed everyday life since March 2020.  But there are many people who have different opinions on it. We asked some teachers and a student from MacArthur Fundamental their opinion on the COVID vaccine and if they would take it or not.

Eighth-grade Language Arts Teacher Mrs. Denise Vicario said, “I am not comfortable thinking or believing that everyone should do one thing or another. I don’t feel it’s my place to tell someone else what to do. But, as I said, I do think that everyone should do everything they can – if not for themselves then for the sake of those around them. It’s a way to show how much we care for one another.”

Pfizer and BioNTech, as well as Moderna have created a two-dose vaccine.  Research showed that their vaccines to be about 95% effective against COVID-19, far better results than anticipated.

These are some of the reasons why Vicario would take the COVID vaccine. “I would get the COVID vaccine – period.  I know there are many people who aren’t sure about it but my opinion is that because there are only so many things we can do to help get through this, we should do everything we can.  I am not comfortable thinking or believing that everyone should do one thing or another.  I don’t feel it’s my place to tell someone else what to do.  But, as I said, I do think that everyone should do everything they can – if not for themselves then for the sake of those around them. It’s a way to show how much we care for one another”.

Other countries have been working on their own vaccines, too, to bring the pandemic to the end.  President Biden’s plan is to hand out 100 million vaccines in 100 days.  This means that would be 1 million people getting vaccinated a day.

Although many people have different opinions on the vaccine, Math Teacher Mr. Jim Axton generally agrees with Vicario.  “Yes, I would get the vaccine if that meant we could resume normal in-person school. The vaccine sounds amazing, but it hasn’t passed the ‘test of time’ so there is a risk.  It appears to be safe and effective.  If it is accepted and used by the general public, hopefully, we can resume many of the activities and gatherings that we miss so much. In short – I like it, but obviously, the downside is risk.  People with the most risk should get the vaccine (unless there is a medical reason that their doctor would tell them not to).  People that are a low risk, probably not. Many young people get covid and don’t even know that they’ve had it. It should be a personal decision and I don’t think people should be mandated to get it.”

Although teachers would get the vaccine, students who attend MacArthur are too young.  Eighth-grader Tiffany Enciso said, “I would not take the vaccine because I do not know what is in there and there’s no evidence. The vaccine is not a cure; it is to prevent you from being affected by the virus at its strongest.”