As the COVID-19  pandemic progresses into 2021, a step towards the end of the epidemic, the vaccine, has emerged. 

Some students at De Soto High School have already received the vaccine. 

This vaccine is new to the health care system and was just recently developed and distributed. Although it is new, scientists did not start from scratch, as there have been previous coronavirus detections prior to this one, stated Medical News Today, a website that delivers information to the world about new health updates. 

“I did have concerns that long-term implications of the vaccination are not known, but I still felt like it was a risk worth taking,” senior Ingrid McGinnis said.

  With the vaccine being so new, anxiety was a common emotion when getting the vaccine with no knowledge of the side effects that could come with it. 

“It was really nerve-wracking to get the vaccine because I felt like I was a guinea pig, and I wasn’t exactly sure how it was going to go,” said junior Addyson Wernimont, who received the vaccine on Dec. 28, 2020.

There have also been reports of people feeling COVID- 19 symptoms after receiving the vaccine. 

“It hurt more because my left deltoid  (the upper part of your arm located just below the top of the shoulder) contracted and knotted up when the shot was given. Afterward, the fatigue hit. I came home from work that night and slept 13 hours,” Mcginnis said. 

Wernimont had also felt symptoms after receiving the vaccine, stating that she was extremely tired and had body aches. 

Although it may have been scary getting the COVID-19 vaccine, these students at DHS are grateful to have been able to receive the first dose since they work with the elderly almost every day. 

“I feel very fortunate to have had this opportunity to get a job in the healthcare system where I could have received this vaccine two days after my birthday. To say I am blessed is an understatement,”

Mcginnis said. 

As of now, the vaccine is currently being distributed to only those who are essential or high risk, but it is rumored that the vaccine will be available to the public this coming April 2021.