Abelina Nunez
Staff Writer
In an informal survey of 10 college students, eight students said they hoping to take the COVID-19 vaccine in the very near future.
This is higher than a recent national survey taken in December of 2020, which found that 60% of Americans were willing to be vaccinated, according to the Pew Research Center, which found that only 39% of Americans said they trust doctors and scientists to make sure it is safe and effective.
“I would take the COVID-19 vaccine because many doctors have said that it was safe to use,” said Aniyah Powell, freshman political science major. Powell added that by taking the vaccine, she’ll be able to return sooner to in-person learning with a bit of security, knowing that she is protected from the virus.
“I have had friends and family get it and turn out just fine,” said freshman Lily Steward. “I’ve seen the research behind it and its effectiveness, and I believe vaccines work.”
Steward said would like to return to her previous normal and that vaccinations may be the only way to reach it.
Jasmine Gaeta, freshman history major, believes the best option to slow the spread is by taking the vaccine so there’s a possibility that COVID-19 will no longer be a threat.
Most of the students surveyed said they were willing to take the vaccine not only for themselves but for their family and friends to stay safe and healthy.
“I will take the vaccine because I have grandparents who live with me, and I would like to do anything possible to keep them safe,” said freshman Samira Felix. “If we want to go back to normal, we have to do what is necessary to get there.”
Yet, some students are hesitant to take the vaccine because of how their bodies might react to the vaccine.
Their fears are in line with the 62% of Americans in the Pew study who said they are not comfortable being in the first round of vaccine recipients.
Lizzette Garcia, freshman communication major, said she is not comfortable taking the vaccine since she is unsure of what the vaccine is made of.
She said she is worried about it because when taking the flu shot, she is prone to get sick and does not want to have a similar reaction to the COVID shot.
“I will not take the vaccine because I’m nervous about what it will do to my body,” Garcia said.
“There have been many recalls on vaccines and medications before that have caused birth defects and such,” added Kara Aguilera, freshman photography major.
Abelina Nunez can be reached at abelina.nunez@laverne.edu.
Abelina J. Nuñez, a junior journalism major, is arts editor for the Campus Times and a staff photographer for the Campus Times and La Verne Magazine. She has previous served as LV Life editor, social media editor and staff writer.