As more and more vaccines are administered to people all throughout America, the closer we are as a country to being back to “normal.” In case anyone was confused; no, the world is not, and will never be, back to normal until the  COVID-19 virus is under control. Some may act like it is over, but it’s not.

Let’s focus on the positives: thousands of highly educated scientists and medical professionals worked day and night for months to make a successful vaccine to help preserve the health of our citizens. This is key for preventing contracting the virus along with stopping the spread of it. Although it really seems as if over 400,000 COVID-related deaths can’t get any worse, it can: this is why the vaccine is such a big deal. Not only that, but the vaccine also means getting back to see our loved ones with no scare, seeing our favorite artist in concerts, no travelling restrictions, going to sports games…the list could go on for what a COVID-free world once was, but will look like once again if people agree to getting the vaccine. 

Some question the speed at which the vaccine was created, saying ‘‘it was created too fast, it can’t be trust-worthy, it’s not safe,’ etc. 

However, the vaccine was created quickly because so many lives depend on it. The same scientists and medical professionals who made the vaccine were also watching COVID death rates rise, just like the rest of us. Of course they were going to come out with a vaccine as quick as they could. How could they not? It was far too serious a matter for them to kick back and take their precious time. The speed with which they developed the vaccine should not be questioned. It’s not a matter of if it’s reliable or not, but more be a medal of how advanced the medical industry truly is. In a time of crisis, they are here to help us. 

I will be getting the vaccine because I believe in science. I will be getting the vaccine because I want to protect others and myself. I will be getting the vaccine because I strive for a “normal” world once again. I’m not scared of what is in the vaccine because I put my trust in the professionals. Before complaining about how the virus has affected the world for almost a year now, think about all the lives that have been affected and the obvious answer as to how we can stop it as soon as we can: taking the vaccine.