Vaccines have been a method of disease prevention since 1796, and it has been proven time and time again that vaccines are safe, effective, and necessary. However, a lot of controversy has erupted since many people do not want themselves or their children to receive vaccines. According to Healthline Media (healthline.com), some motives for being an “antivaxer” are religious beliefs, the false claim that vaccines cause autism spectrum disorder, and distrust that the vaccine does not work but instead causes sickness. Through research, these reasons for opposition, aside from religious motives, have been proven false. Additionally, the state of the world today must be considered when deciding to get vaccinated.

The Covid-19 pandemic has led to immense death and sickness all over the globe, especially in America. Due to the dangerous effects the virus can have on one’s health, many people cannot go to work and school; as a result, parts of the world have been in lockdown and quarantine for almost a year. Fortunately, vaccines have been created to help end this nightmare. This is the only way the world can truly overcome the virus, and it must not be denied by those with the opportunity to get it. “The vaccine is necessary, and everyone should get it,” agreed junior Lily Cohen. “It is proven to be one of the most effective disease-prevention methods. I hope everyone gets the vaccine, so life can return to normal,” added Cohen. As soon as it is possible, everyone who can safely receive the Covid-19 vaccine should, and must, do so, for the sake of health and humanity.

 According to the CDC, “All Covid-19 vaccines currently available in the United States have been shown to be highly effective at preventing Covid-19. Based on what we know about vaccines for other diseases and early data from clinical trials, experts believe that getting a Covid-19 vaccine may also help keep you from getting seriously ill, even if you do get Covid-19.” 

“The vaccine has very high rates of efficacy, as high as 95 percent,” added pediatrician Andria Chizner. “It’s been well studied and found to be a safe, highly effective preventative measure against coronavirus. Vaccination is the only hope for the world, at large, to get back to life as we knew it,” added Chizner.

If people refuse the vaccine, the virus will continue to spread, prolonging the pandemic. If most of the population is vaccinated, the virus will eventually die out because it will no longer be able to thrive in people’s bodies. 

People who work in high-risk occupations, such as doctors and teachers, have been given the option to receive the vaccine first. If they choose not to get vaccinated, they will be putting their patients and students at risk, since they do not have the ability to get vaccinated yet. Not receiving the vaccine will put many at risk because then one will be more at risk of spreading the disease. Marion Street Principal Theresa Macchia explained: “I’m glad that I am eligible to receive the Covid-19 vaccine. As a proponent of vaccines, I am in support of receiving it. I do believe that it is imperative for large masses of people to become vaccinated, to slow the spread of Covid-19. Since there are various strains of the virus,  we will need to continue to practice social distancing, mask wearing, and good hygiene. I believe that by continued practice of these safety measures, we can continue to limit the spread.  We cannot rely on a vaccine alone.”

 If one person wears a mask and is with a person not wearing a mask, it is not as effective as if both people are wearing a mask. This is similar to the vaccine because the more people who are vaccinated, the safer everyone will be. The purpose of the vaccine is to protect people from a deadly disease and end this pandemic. The more people opt to be vaccinated, the sooner the world can return to how it was.