“Did you get Pfizer or Moderna?” has become a common icebreaker for the incoming summer 2021. Most people will answer with one of the two, some people will answer with “Johnson and Johnson,” and a fraction of people will answer with, “I haven’t gotten it”. Let’s be real: you don’t wanna be in the last squad. 

Although that last one is the least common answer, the fact that it exists at all is somewhat interesting. After all, the vaccine is widely available in Eugene and pretty much everywhere else in the country. I mean, sure, I can see why there was hesitancy at first. A bit of uncertainty of a brand new vaccine seemed normal and healthy in such ‘unprecedented times’. Is anyone else stoked to be living in precedented times again? But with that being said, I sincerely doubt that any of us are qualified to question the credibility of the vaccine unless we’re medically and scientifically trained to make one ourselves. 

Nonetheless, as we move forward and more vaccines are being distributed, it’s clear that the pros outweigh the cons (and by cons I mean the fear of what’s in the vaccine). Think about it. 

With the roll out of the vaccines, there is an end in sight. Let’s speed it up and get back to normal!

I can picture it now: music festivals. Sports games. Getting a job. Traveling anywhere in the world. (Insert heart eyes here). Big gatherings with people you haven’t been able to see in a year. Big gatherings with people you don’t even know. The list goes on. 

And not to mention the obvious benefits of the vaccine, like how it will prevent the virus from mutating, how it keeps you and people around you safe, and how we can eventually stop wearing masks and quarantining. Restrictions are in the process of being eased and lifted for vaccinated people, but life won’t be completely back to normal unless everybody does their part and takes these #shots. 

If you’re still not convinced to get vaccinated, reminisce on these scenarios and questions as food for thought: 

Remember the frustration that filled your body when you drove all the way to the store just to realize you forgot a mask?

Remember the acne on your chin that never disappeared from constantly wearing a mask in public?

Remember the disappointment you felt when you wanted to go to your favorite restaurant for dinner, only to discover it’s temporarily closed because of COVID restrictions? 

Or everything being closed on your birthday? 

Shall I go on? I don’t think so. 

The point is, that if we want these disappointments and restrictions to end, there IS something we can do about it. We determine the future of COVID-19. Do you want it to end or do you want it to continue? It’s a pretty simple choice. 

So next time someone asks you, “Did you get Pfizer or Moderna?” flex that #pfizergang or #modernasquad proudly. You’re helping save the world! (Johnson and Johnson, you’re OK too. I guess. Just kidding. Kinda.)