Make the right decision, get vaxxed for your loved ones

My husband and I initially decided to wait for a year before getting vaxxed, so we could first observe the results from those who opted to get inoculated early. We thought that this was prudent as there were a lot of opinions, reviews, and hearsay on the side effects and adverse effects of the vaccines. As time went by, we got updated on the vaccination rates here and abroad and saw the vaccines’ effects on people. We read that those who got the jab were able to dine together, gather as a family, and do a number of things together. I must admit, it was able to convince us to say yes to vaccination.

In early July last year, my mom, uncle, and I had COVID-19. We were quarantined at home for 19 terrible days. My husband and I are first-time parents with a then seven-month-old son, who showed symptoms that were similar to mine, but we could not confirm if he was infected because swab tests weren’t being done on babies yet. Thankfully, my husband tested negative, so he was able to take care of our son.

Having experienced all that, we thought we already had enough reasons to have ourselves vaccinated earlier than planned. Moreover, the national vaccination rate was steadily rising, and we learned that some of the emerging COVID variants were known to strongly attack children who still didn’t have the chance to receive vaccines. Our baby was barely a year old, and we could not risk his life by being blasé about remaining unvaxxed.

So after our quarantine, we were all the more resolved to be inoculated. We received our first and second doses of Sinovac last September. We will have our booster shot soon. Now, we feel more secure. We believe we made the right decision. We know it’s no guarantee that we will never ever have COVID but there’s a much slimmer chance for us to get infected again, thanks to the vaccine. And, just in case we do get infected, the symptoms would not be as severe.

What the now two-year pandemic has taught me is to keep my guard up. If we love our children, we should not be complacent as to think that everyone and everything and every place is safe. If we want to help in continuously flattening the curve, let’s listen to the health authorities and experts and abide by their recommendations. As responsible adults, let’s proactively keep ourselves informed by watching and reading legitimate news, and veering away from and even reporting dubious online sites that spread fake news and outright lies. Alongside being prayerful, let’s make wise decisions like getting ourselves vaccinated. My family did. We are happy, and we have no regrets.

RUVY ANN ALMONTE-SISON
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