Reception of the COVID-19 vaccine Final Draft

Despite having many friends who were eager to take the COVID-19 vaccine, Cabrillo College sophomore Jesse Allen decided to opt-out.

"The reasons why my friends and family are getting the vaccine could influence my position but I wouldn’t get it just because they were getting it," reasoned Allen. 

Allen said he thinks the COVID-19 vaccine is good for the people who need it, but that doesn't include him. 

"As a completely healthy young male who could still transmit and become infected with the coronavirus even after getting the shot, I feel that I do not need it," said Allen. 


In the past, Allen chose to only receive shots that were required for him to attend public school. 

Allen said he feels the government is "pushing" people to get the COVID-19 vaccine when not everyone needs it. 

"Quite honestly, I am a little bit suspicious," said Allen. 

Allen believed that the development, production, and testing of the vaccine happened "so fast."

On the contrary, digital media arts junior Kyra Chhiu-Lim believes “it's not much of a surprise” that we quickly developed one because science has advanced rapidly over the years. 


Despite having an anti-vaccine mom, Kyra Chhiu-Lim “highly encourages” people to get the vaccine. 


“I’ve done a lot of my own research on multiple platforms to come to this conclusion, and I encourage anyone who is wary about the vaccine to do so as well,” said Chhiu-Lim in a text message. 


Like Allen, Chhiu-Lim grew up only getting vaccines that were mandatory for her to attend public school.  


However, she believes the COVID-19 vaccine is no different than these vaccines as it will ensure the safety of her peers and speed up herd immunity.


“I’m passionate about [public health],” said Chhiu-Lim. “I try to inform those around me about what I’ve gathered about the vaccine and virus.” 


Allen has also learned about the vaccine but has come to a different conclusion. 

He recounted watching his local TV news channels like CNN, MSNBC, and Fox and hearing government officials and key COVID-19 leaders talk about the vaccine. 

"Their only reason is that 'it's' a good idea' or 'this person said you should do it'," said Allen.  

In addition, Allen believes that having to wear a mask and distance from others even after getting the shot makes it more "pointless," especially for a healthy young male. 

Until Allen is presented with a "good reason" to get the vaccine, he is staying inside his home and outside the vaccine centers. 

Meanwhile, when Ohlone College junior Daisy Wang received a text message from Kaiser Permanente around mid-March notifying her of her recent eligibility, she signed up for the earliest slot. 

"The whole point of the vaccine is so we can end quarantine," said Wang. “The reason why I got the vaccine was to obviously prevent me from getting corona.” 

Wang plans to travel to Hawaii later this year. 

Hawaii currently requires a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter, according to the State of Hawaii Department of Transportation, 

Wang hopes that being vaccinated will give her the lep-up if faced with any further restrictions during her vacation. 

Like many others, Wang said she typically does not get shots but decided that COVID-19 was different because it is “affecting the whole public” and can cause permanent damage. 

“If you can try to prevent it, why not prevent it?” said Daisy. “There’s no harm in trying to prevent it if you have the chance to.” 

Daisy felt “relieved” after getting her shots and said she is trying to get her friends and family to get one too. 

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