Sickle cell disease is already painful and dangerous enough without the added complications of COVID-19, so I wanted to do all that I could to protect myself from this virus. Even beyond that, I live with my 91-year-old mother who would be very vulnerable to a severe COVID-19 infection, so protecting those around me is extremely important. When the COVID-19 vaccines began rolling out, I knew that getting vaccinated was my best chance at staying healthy; though I still had some hesitations because it can be difficult to completely trust the media and politicians. After doing some of my own research and considering my situation, I ultimately decided to get vaccinated.
My side effects from the vaccines were mild: I experienced soreness in my shoulder after my first dose and no reaction at all after my second. Even after being fully vaccinated, I did get a COVID-19 infection from someone in my small circle. Thankfully, the only symptom I experienced was a change in my voice. My quick and easy recovery was a blessing from Almighty God who is my real strength and protector. Since I was on antibiotics at the time of infection, it may be possible that the medication played a role in reducing the effects of COVID-19 in my body. I also strongly believe that if I were not vaccinated, I would have been sicker. Some family and friends who were unvaccinated and got COVID-19 were sick for several weeks to months. Those who were vaccinated only had a day or two of feeling sick, some had headaches, and my brother said he did not feel sick at all.
I see the COVID-19 vaccine as similar to the other drugs and vaccines that we are prescribed by doctors. We usually do not question the science around those drugs and every medication has side effects that cause us all to have different experiences. Most of us are vaccinated against other viruses, without ever knowing the length or extent of research on these immunizations. None of those vaccines are without a percentage less danger than the COVID-19 vaccine.
There is a lot of propaganda online that has convinced people to not take the vaccine. For many, it is the science and speed of the rollout that they do not trust. For me, it is Almighty God I trust above all else. He granted me the wisdom to remember that He is the one that gives the doctors and scientists the knowledge to do what they do. God is still in control even if it does not look like that to most.