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COVID Vaccine
COVID Vaccine
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Wellness > Health

My Friend Got The COVID-19 Vaccine and She Recommends You Get One Too

Jenita Raksanoh
Deedee Plata
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UC Riverside chapter.

As COVID cases rise, the state of California is under lockdown. Governor Gavin Newsom orders all restaurants be restricted from holding outdoor dining along with parks roped off. He states, “if we don’t act now we’ll continue to to see our death rate climb.” However, a vaccine has been launched in which it states “it cannot make you sick with the COVID-19.” This gives the world a new hope to slowly go back to normal again. Although this is not the cure, it is a big step in decreasing the number of deaths. 

stressed woman in mask
Photo by engin akyurt from Unsplash
My friend, who remains anonymous, is the first person I know to receive the vaccine. I went ahead and asked her a few questions regarding her experience. She works as a healthcare worker which is why she was able to receive the vaccine early. She mentioned how relieved she felt, but was also a bit hesitant. The reason was because it was good news that a vaccine was out, however, there is not enough study on it which is what worried her. The vaccine is a simple shot which left only a soreness in her arm. Other than that, she did not react negatively towards the vaccine. It was interesting to see that she felt as if she got a normal flu shot because she did not feel any negative side effects. 

A woman having her blood drawn
Photo by Obi Onyeador from Unsplash
After receiving the vaccine, she feels hope and relief in moving forward to a better future. Although this is not a cure, this is a “step to making progress” she states. I then asked her if she still follows the safety guidelines even though she is vaccinated and she responded, “oh of course, wearing a mask and distancing myself is not only helping me remain safe, but it also helps other people as well. As a healthcare worker, it’s very sad to see more people coming in with this sickness;, we don’t need any more.” My friend encourages that vaccination is the next step to making a better future. No more lives deserve to be lost. No more families need to be taken away from each other due to others being irresponsible. It is up to us to take precaution and always wear a mask for not just yourself, but for others as well. 

Jenita Raksanoh

UC Riverside '21

Jenita is a Media and Cultural Studies major at the University of California, Riverside. She enjoys meal prepping, working out, having photoshoots and discovering trendy food spots. Her goal is to motivate women to become healthier and become the best version of themselves. Being a young woman in college has taught her not only academically but mentally as well, which is why she is driven to help others through Her Campus.
20 year old creative writing major with a love for skincare, representation, and art. When not laying down and watching cartoons, I can be found working on my novel or browsing through baby name forums.