“Why get vaccinated?” Voices from the Community

Sydney Krebsbach, member and advocate, Alaska Developmental Disabilities Council

I have to admit when the vaccine first came out in December, I was against it because I'm horribly afraid of shots. They freak me out, I shake and cry and scream once the needle goes in my skin. At the time, I told my employer my fears and that I wasn't going to get it.  Then in February my workplace changed the mitigation plan saying all employees have to get vaccinated in order to return to the office.  So, I finally signed up to get the vaccine for Saturday March 20th along with my parents. My autism and anxiety were sky high all week. I talked with my doctor about my anxiety and how to help. But then I realized that I have to do this because not only am I saving my life, but I am saving other people’s lives from getting COVID. Plus, I had my parents there to help me get through it.  I didn’t let my autism and anxiety get in the way of saving tons of people's lives!

So this my experience with the COVID vaccine I'm getting my second shot in April!

Emmanuel Jenkins, counselor and business owner. Emmanuel also works for the Delaware Developmental Disabilities Council.

Emmanuel, a Black man with cerebral palsy, has personal experience with making the decision about the COVID-19 vaccine.  He had been firmly set against getting vaccinated due to lack of trust.  “The first thing that really made me consider it was being a person that lives independently.  In order for me to get home-based community-based services, people had to come in and help me out to do those daily living things.  So, really realizing that, as I protect myself, then I am also protecting my son, who just turned 13.  I am protecting my wife who is very active in the community.” 

Elizabeth Joseph, board member, Alaska Developmental Disabilities Council

Elizabeth was concerned about the vaccine because of what she was seeing on social media.  She turned to physicians she trusted to get information.  “I learned how safe it was, and asking questions really helped me a lot.  I grew more confident and comfortable with receiving the vaccination.  It was my choice to receive it.”  Elizabeth’s family was inspired to get the vaccine as well when it became available.  Relying on trusted information and family helped her make her decision.  

Dr. Rick Rader, National Medical Director, National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals

COVID-19 has affected Dr. Rader’s work, but also his personal life as he tested positive for COVID-19 and then later got vaccinated.  Rick knows how important DSPs are to the I/DD community, and he champions the need for more awareness for DSPs, those they care for, and their own families. While vaccines are not new, there are some questions that people have about the COVID-19 vaccines.  

“I like to use this example of getting your car registered at the motor vehicle department.  The entire process takes about 5 minutes, but you could be waiting in line for hours.  Now, imagine if instead of 5 clerks they had 50 clerks, your time would be cut to 5 minutes or less.  And that was the same idea adopted by the FDA, the Food and Drug Administration, which is the federal agency responsible for testing not only vaccines but all new medications to make sure they are not only safe but also efficacious, meaning that they work.”