Kori Barnes 
With the increase of people getting vaccinations and events now often making it mandatory for attendees to have received the dosage, it’s apparent that the world is ready to finally return back to a sense of normalcy. As we’re nearing the new year of 2022 and dealing with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the advocation for the youth to get vaccinated is at an all time high.
Despite social media being a resourceful tool to receive and become more knowledgeable on information, there is also the fear of manipulation and false facts that are often presented as accurate. Due to this, Anti-vaxxers have made their beliefs and stance known on the subject while those in favor have attempted to combat any negative allegations of the vaccine at every opportunity they get. Thus, often making the younger generation either confident or confused about misinformation and wondering whether they should receive the vaccine or not.
Tyra DePillars, a graduate from AMDA Performing Arts College in Los Angeles, has major concerns on the potential risks and after effects that the vaccine can impose on the body; especially since not enough long-term research has been concluded on how it could continue to affect recipients 5-10 years down the line.
“I have a few reasons why I haven’t gotten the vaccine. My first reason is that everyone’s body reacts differently to the vaccine. I’m afraid that if I take the vaccine I may become sick because I know people that have had this reaction,” DePillars said. “Also, with new strands such as the Delta variant, I feel like it may cause the original dose not to be as effective. If that becomes the case I’ll have to continue to take more shots in hopes that it will work. I’m already scared of shots, so the fact that you have to take not one but two doses bothers me.”
Despite DePillars concerns regarding the new variants and uncertainty about receiving the vaccine, she feels that this will soon be a global requirement worldwide.
“…I think that it will soon be mandatory to have the vaccine in order to do anything in public.” –Tyra DePillars
“Yes, I think that it will soon be mandatory to have the vaccine in order to do anything in public. I think that the U.S. is going to try their best to control the population. A lot of places, including restaurants and certain events, won’t allow unvaccinated guests to attend,” she said. “I think that this is unfair to force people to receive the vaccine in order to exist in society.”
Courtney Commodore, a recent graduate from the University of Southern California, strongly believes that everyone should receive the vaccination and heavily encourages others to do so as well.
“I do think this is something that everyone will and should get. It’s interesting because since I’ve been living in Spain, people often ask me why there is even a controversy in the U.S. over the vaccine, since Spain is nearly 80 percent vaccinated,” Commodore said. “Because I’m vaccinated, I was able to study abroad and visit other countries in the EU without having to pay for COVID tests. Within my family and friend groups, I’ve definitely had my share of debates. I’ve definitely experienced the drawbacks of vaccination requirements as well. Since my brother wasn’t vaccinated, he couldn’t attend my graduation. The only reason my mom did get vaccinated was to be able to attend my graduation, so I definitely see the tension vaccine requirements cause, but at the end of the day I believe it’s necessary.”
Due to a percentage of the upcoming generation and Anti-vaxxers who are either weary or against the vaccine, fake COVID-19 vaccination cards have spread like wildfire across social media and through underground business. Commodore feels that is a dangerous game to play with when there are hundreds and thousands of people dying from this virus.
“The youth don’t take the pandemic seriously enough, and unfortunately a lot of people are going to die because of it.” –Courtney Commodore
“It’s honestly ridiculous that people are making fake vaccination cards. COVID-19 is not fake. I’ve read too many stories of young people having permanent bodily damage after having COVID,” she said. “Sure, not everyone will die from COVID, but people need to also remember that just because we are living in a pandemic doesn’t mean other diseases have stopped. We already didn’t have good doctor to patient ratios and understaffed hospitals, adding avoidable COVID patients in the mix is hurting so many more people than we even think! People are waiting for surgeries/transplants, people can’t get doctors appointments or even have check ups to discover early originating diseases. We have to stop being selfish just to go to concerts or games. The youth don’t take the pandemic seriously enough, and unfortunately a lot of people are going to die because of it.”
Are you someone who’s still undecided about getting the vaccine? Until you make up your mind, do your research, wash your hands, practice social distancing, and wear a mask when you are in public settings.
Make sure to leave your reaction below on how you feel about the vaccine.
By Kori Barnes, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
Instagram: @korixnicole
