Published January 28, 2021 in The Toccoa Record

A couple weeks ago I wrote an opinion piece strongly advocating that Americans line up to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Since that time, I’ve been blessed to have received both Pfizer vaccines my employer offered. I can personally attest to no side effects aside from mild arm soreness.

The feeling of being on the other side of the COVID-19 vaccine is unmeasurable. Professionally, I no longer fear contracting the virus from a patient and carrying it home to my wife, children, or medically fragile parents and grandparents.  Personally, I can see the new normal that our future holds! I am excited to get back to celebrating holidays without fearing giving my family a virus that could kill them. I am looking forward to my parents and grandparents getting a hug from my son without feeling guilt that it could be the last. I can imagine vacations with friends and family without the fear of making one another sick or contracting the virus from the stranger next to me.  I’m also excited about sporting events. Prior to COVID-19 I enjoyed taking my family to Braves games. I enjoyed rooting for the home team and not worrying about contracting a deadly virus.

Getting the COVID-19 Vaccine is like winning the medical lottery. It has allowed me to cast aside the fear of potential life altering affects from the virus with hopes of returning social life to a new normal that includes social distancing measures.  Getting the vaccine is an individualized choice given that everyone has different genetic make-up and struggles with different chronic illnesses. Given the catastrophe I have seen in the aftermath of the virus, me not strongly advocating for the vaccine would be medical malpractice. As the vaccine becomes readily available, affordable, and accessible to all Americans I am excited to welcome friends, coworkers, and patients to the other side of this illness.