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With the first COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in the United Kingdom and the United States, healthcare professionals belong to the highest priority group to be vaccinated. Medscape asked doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals what they were thinking when they received the shot. Here are some of their answers.
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Dr. Dan Ocarol, Emergency Medicine, Walsall Manor Hospital, United Kingdom
Dan Ocarol, MB ChB, MRCS (ED), FRCEM, Emergency Medicine, Walsall Manor Hospital, United Kingdom
My feelings about jabs: It finally seems like the light is shining at the end of the tunnel, and I can start thinking about going back to a more normal era without causing the horrific ongoing deaths that this disease has brought to us. I will. In the future, parents may be able to contact them intimately and hug their grandchildren. Relief at the individual level has managed to avoid getting infected with COVID, but there was still a smile that I could be one of the unfortunate people who succumbed to this horrific illness. And I am deeply grateful to the researchers for their amazing achievements in developing vaccinations for diseases that I had never heard of 12 months ago.
Dr. Taison Bell, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
Taison Bell, MD, University of Virginia, Charlottesville
I told my children about the coronavirus. The coronavirus causes numerous problems in the country and around the world, affecting disproportionately to black and Latino communities and other poorly serviced people. I told them I was worried about infecting myself and spreading the virus to them and their grandmothers. In addition to the burden of caring for the patient, this was all a burden to me — some of the most sick patients I have ever cared for. These complex emotions came to my mind the moment the vaccine got into my arm. I felt there was a way to lift it, so I can finally turn the corner. Many of the things I was worried about could be better, at least in part. I feel like I didn’t realize it was so heavy until I felt a little weight loss. It was a wonderful moment that I will never forget.
Storm Dutton, University of Kentucky School of Medicine, Lexington, Pennsylvania
I wondered how this vaccine could save my father. He died of COVID-19 respiratory failure at the age of 48, just four weeks before it was released. Knowing that I was a licensed health care provider and couldn’t save him, I wondered how helpless I was. This is a faint light of my hope for everyone else to avoid them the losses I have now. Inevitably, I thought about meeting all COVID patients with ED without fear of taking them home with family and friends. I thought about the near future. As the vaccine reduces exposure and builds herd immunity, the number of critical patients intubated in the hospital decreases.
Dr. Jennifer Doran, University of Florida, Jacksonville
Jennifer Doran, DDS, University of Florida, Jacksonville
I’m 26 weeks pregnant and working in a high-risk area, so I’m fortunate to get the vaccine early. I am currently 24 hours after administration and have no symptoms other than mild injection site pain.
Dr. Julio Miranda, Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
Julio Miranda, MD, Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield, Massachusetts
It was very moving. I was very happy, but almost grateful. As an ICU doctor, I thought about all the patients I’ve been caring for in this 9-month pandemic. Their suffering, their family. My hope is that everyone will be vaccinated. There is hope at the end of this nightmare.
Dr. Courtney Gilliam, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Washington
Courtney Gilliam, MD, Seattle Children’s Hospital, Washington
As a black pediatrician, I feel the importance of working on new vaccines and how complex it can be, especially for communities that have experienced the impact of racism on our health care system. I am. I understand why people are skeptical and skeptical about the COVID-19 vaccine. To educate myself and others, I look to evidence-based medicine and peer-reviewed material. After reviewing the available information about the Pfizer vaccine and actually understanding the development process it went through, I am confident that this is the right thing to do.
Dr Alyson Quigley, VA New York Harbor Health System
Alyson Quigley, MD, VA New York Harbor Health System
When I finally got the vaccination, I thought I would cry with peace of mind, but I was happy that it was cool.
Kaz Margulies, EMT, Long Island, New York
Kazu Margaries, EMT, Long Island, New York
I wanted to get it as part of me to overcome this deadly illness. Before I got it, I was a little nervous because of unknown facts. But I know in my heart that science must be trusted, and this was the right thing to do.
Dr. S. Das Pamnani, Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton, Illinois
S. Das Pamnani, MD, PhD, Perry Memorial Hospital, Princeton, Illinois
I’m glad I received the Pfizer COVID vaccine. I work in a local hospital and see patients in hospitals and clinics. The COVID mortality rate is terrible at around 2% in our small bureau county. With the availability of vaccines, we are very excited and hopeful for our staff and community members. I can’t wait until everyone in the community has access to the vaccine.
Dr. Justin Dubin, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Florida
Justin Dubin, MD, University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Florida
My mask couldn’t hide my excitement today!
Natasha D. Benavidez, PA-C, Davis Health System, Elkins, West Virginia
Natasha D. Benavidez, PA-C, Davis Health System, Elkins, West Virginia
Me: I’ll wait for the first few rounds of the Covid Vaccine to see how it works.
Also, the moment our hospital was vaccinated, I was SHOOOOOT ME UP !!
I’m doing this for a newborn baby. I do this so that older babies can lead a normal life and see their grandparents again. I am trying to be able to go to church again safely. I’m doing this so I can better care for my patients and their families.
Let’s be honest. We’re all hesitant about the vaccine, but we rest on the fact that the most intelligent people in the world are working together on this vaccine to protect everyone. .. There is no political agenda. There is no microchip. There is no crazy claim that everyone will be infertile. Everyone is a first-class person with the same goals of living, being safe and staying healthy.
I hesitated last week and was a little worried this week, but the anxiety and guilt of taking something home is incredible. With lots of hope and whispering prayers … go here!
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