The Vaccine
As someone who took the Oath of Enlistment to join the Navy all the way back on August 28, 1991, I have given up my right to forego vaccinations. In fact, I just returned from a deployment to Africa where even more vaccinations were required, like Anthrax. The same happened back in 2011 on my trip to Afghanistan.
So each year as the flu vaccine comes around, it’s not a matter of “Do I?” but rather when. In fact, not taking it would deem me “not medically ready” and therefore, not much good to my Navy or my country. I’ve never had an issue getting it, either, nor any of the countless others dotting my record all the way back to 1991.
Fast forward to today, the COVID-19 vaccine. It is still considered an “emergency use” vaccine and not fully approved and therefore, not mandated under my service. However, it’s my opinion that the moment it is, it will be mandated. I also serve as a government employee in my civilian occupation and due to the nature of whom we serve, we are considered part of Phase 1C and thus, authorized to get it even though I am not high risk and 47 years of age. I jumped at the opportunity to get it when I found out I could on Monday and then yesterday….
Shot #1 done. There has been a lot of debate around it and most people find themselves in one of two camps: 1) fiercely opposed or 2) can’t get it soon enough. I am in neither.
I got the virus back in mid-June during my transatlantic flight to Africa. I was sardined into a C-17 with no distancing nor mask wearing. 25% of us got it. I spent 19.5 days locked in a rectangular box in isolation and was 100% asymptomatic. I was and am very healthy and fit and do not fall into any high risk category, even slightly. So why get it?
I believe that I would be a GREAT carrier of the virus. I also want doors to be open to serve my country in uniform and abroad. I also recognize the need for us as a WORLD to be back together in person. The social and mental toll has been steep and the sooner we can be together, the better. And lastly, I want to be an asset at my civilian job where the public NEEDS us. While our doors aren’t open yet, I want to be available when they are. In short,
I WANT TO DO MY PART.
It’s really that simple. I haven’t watched any news since Inauguration Day so I haven’t been exposed to the vaccine debates, conspiracy theories and the like. I just know that becoming less risk to myself and those around me seems to be the ethically and morally responsible thing to do.
