I'm not going to waste my (covid-19) shot: My Experience
By Rafael Rolon-Muniz, NACDD Communications and Program Coordinator
On May 1st, I got my second COVID-19 dose. When I walked out of the clinic, I exhaled and looked up at the clear sky. More than a year ago, the United States and its territories went into lockdown and all our worlds were turned upside down.
Many have lost their jobs, restaurants have closed, and countless families lost loved ones with no opportunity to say goodbye. Waking out of the clinic, I thought of my grandparents in Puerto Rico, my parents in Austin, my best friend in Miami. I thought of my girlfriend who has not been able to hug her mom since last year because they are both immunocompromised. Getting the vaccine in no way means we are clear and free; but it is truly a leap in a journey that has taken countless steps to get where we are right now. Sitting in the car, I teared up. I thought after months of wearing masks, we will be able to see each other smile again; we will be able to laugh and hang out with our friends until the sun rises; and we will be able to hug our loved ones. There was never a doubt in my mind that I was going to get the COVID-19 vaccine, but I know some people may be unsure for themselves.
Unfortunately, because of that fear, I was able to get my first shot in April. My girlfriend went to go see her PCP for a check-up. There, her doctor asked why she had not received the shot after recovering from pneumonia back in February. At the time, we were told she was not a priority so we were waiting for public sites to open so that we could both register for an appointment. The doctor listed the reasons why she should have received the shot and registered through the clinic in case any vaccines became available during the week. Remarkably, only four hours later, she got a call saying there was a vaccine available if she got to the clinic before closing. Without hesitation, she drove over, and I met her there. As I was waiting outside, she asked the nurse if there was any chance, I could possibly get a shot. The nurse said there may be one-shot available, but it depended on if the person who was already there did not want it.
When she texted me that, honestly, my heart sank. Sure, I want to get the vaccine, I want to be able to protect my family and those I care about. I also thought of that person, and I assume the person did so as well, or else he would not have even shown up. I only responded: “I hope he gets it.” I wanted that person to get the vaccine for the sake of his family and loved ones. I also thought that if he got it, it meant that the community would be safe. More vaccinations meant that everyone would be less likely to get sick. The bottom line is, the goal should just be that everyone gets it, no matter where in the line you are. In the end, the nurse said he decided not to get it because he was afraid of the vaccine and just walked out. Because of that, I was able to get the vaccine. To this day I am torn, I am glad I was able to receive the vaccine, but I hope he changed his mind and decided to come back and get vaccinated.
For me, the vaccination was a little painful, I will not lie. But what it does, and what it provides is immeasurable. I am aware that moving forward, our lives will be pre-covid and after-covid. We all have our reasons for wanting to get the vaccine; to travel, to see loved ones, to stop wearing masks at a grocery store, to stop the spread; everyone has their reason. I am not here to tell you to go get the vaccine, and the intention is not to repeat the facts. I want to share my reason for getting it and what I look forward to someday: I want to go tubing with my parents in Austin, host a BBQ with my friends, and lie on a beach in Puerto Rico. But more importantly, I want to see all my loved ones smile again in person.
