On March 11, 2021, one year after the World Health Organization declared the COVID-19 outbreak a pandemic, three million people were vaccinated in the US alone, according to NPR. With these rising vaccination numbers, the general public sees the light at the end of the tunnel of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At this point, with a few exceptions, people in phase 1A have been vaccinated. This tier includes most medical workers.
“I would say that my life has changed for the better [after getting the vaccine]. It was an instant weight lifted off my shoulders,” said North nurse Dana Lindenmann, who received the vaccine in early February. “I don’t worry quite as much when I’m at the grocery store or picking my kids up from school, and I definitely worry less when students come to see me with COVID-like symptoms.”
After phase 1A, several other tiers opened, making the vaccine widely available to several new groups of people, including the elderly, those with preexisting conditions and teachers. On April 9, the vaccine will be available to all adults in Missouri.
“I’m very excited. I’ve actually already got a date. I’m getting my vaccine on April 13,” said junior Suryansh Mishra.
Because so many are being vaccinated, the CDC has created new guidelines for fully vaccinated people. In the guidelines, the CDC has stated that fully vaccinated people can meet together indoors without wearing masks. After getting vaccinated, many people are getting excited about being able to see others in person again.
“My parents and in-laws were recently vaccinated, and now I feel so much safer around them, and don’t feel like I’m constantly going to bring COVID home to them … It’s a great feeling to not have to worry so much about your health, your family’s health, and your students’ health,” said Lindenmann.
Even though vaccination numbers are on the rise, it will still take some time to reach herd immunity. Because a large number of people have to be vaccinated and no vaccine is 100% effective, reaching herd immunity is difficult. Because of this, many are saying that it is still important to take precautions.
“It’s critical, in my opinion, for people to follow guidelines even if they are vaccinated. Efficacy has a meaning, you aren’t immune to the disease,” said Mishra. “Continuing to follow guidelines will allow for the maximum safety.”