smithlr2@lopers.unk.edu          

COVID-19 has taken its toll but its reign may be coming to an end with the new vaccine. Some students are hesitant about the vaccination effort, but most are optimistic.

Although all students have their opinions on the vaccine, few have had the opportunity to receive a dose of the newly developed vaccine. 

“Since I work at Good Samaritan Hospital and the vaccine was offered to all of the employees, I got the chance to receive the two doses of the vaccine,” said Julianne Dickerson, a first-year nursing student at UNMC. “Oftentimes people our age think they don’t need it because it won’t kill them. But what they do not take into consideration that they can still spread it to people who it will kill. I agree that everyone has the right to decide but I would stress to every patient the bigger picture behind the vaccine.”

Many students may share the same outlook as Dickerson, but others are still hesitant about receiving the vaccine. 

Those who do not want that vaccine have mentioned many reasons for their choice, including the effectiveness, possible side effects, and the overall unknown of it all — especially considering how new the vaccine is and how quickly it was developed. 

“I personally will not be getting the vaccine because it is hard for me to put something into my body that was created so quickly after the virus even began,” said Bailey Cox, a Junior at UNK majoring in Social Work. 

Although Cox will not be getting the vaccine, she still supports others who want to get the vaccine when readily available.

“I think if others would like to be vaccinated then that is their choice and it does not affect me so go for it if that is something you wish to do,” Cox said.

Although students have varying thoughts on the vaccine and its capabilities, effectiveness and overall safety, most students are dedicated to wearing their masks. 

The majority of students at UNK and UNMC follow the mask policies set in place to keep students safe. Many students feel that masks can only help not hurt the situation — even if the masks are not fully effective.

“I believe that masks should be worn to protect not only yourself but others around you, and getting the vaccine should be highly encouraged by the universities when widely available,” said Bailey Campbell, a first-year nursing student at UNMC.

While opinions about the best ways to protect people from COVID-19 continue to change and open discussion, students can learn more about how to stay safe at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website at cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/.