Students and Vaccines

There are many differing opinions surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine, with many people debating the supposed risks that come with taking it. With more people getting vaccinated, more controversy surrounds COVID related issues. One topic that is hardly discussed is student’s opinions surrounding COVID as well as the vaccine. Younger generation’s opinions matter when the virus has drastically impacted their lives and school. Now that teens are able to get Pfizer’s COVID vaccine opinions are ever changing. This interview is meant to look into the varying student opinions on COVID, its impacts, and the vaccine itself.

Ingole Interview:

To start with something simple, what are your thoughts on COVID in general?

I think it’s devastating that there is a major loss of income in the economy and a lot of people going through hard times due to family members dying from the virus. In a positive light, people are learning new things which are good.

What is your opinion on the vaccine?

I think it is a good thing that we are finding out the development of the vaccine. I don’t know much but I like how the vaccine is approved for use.

How safe is the vaccine?

Chances are it’s probably safe since it is being approved so they’ve most likely done tests and I believe a lot of people have already taken it.

Should the vaccine be mandatory in your opinion?

I believe it would be better if it was mandatory and I think it should be in most cases.

You think it is ethical then to force people to take it?

I am kind of conflicted on this. I don’t think it is ethical unless we are 100 percent confident. As of right now I don’t think we should force people.

Does the government get to have a say in vaccinations or anything covid related in terms of making things mandatory, one example being quarantine?

They should to the extent of being in a position where their job is to take care of people.

Judging by previous answers I think we can assume that you think everyone should get the vaccine?

Yeah, once the vaccine is 100 percent it is fine for use I think everyone should get it.

So then you would get the vaccine?

Yes I would eventually but not right now. I think maybe in the near future I will.

Is COVID over-exaggerated based on what you have seen?

It is certainly possible but I doubt it. I know the media plays a big part in over-exaggeration but I don’t really see the point of them going to that extent to lie and try to cover it up, that would just be a crappy thing to do.

Are things ready to turn back to normal?

I think it depends. Personally, I think we should be more cautious but I recognize in other places it isn’t as bad so it really depends on the situation.

Shinder:

Starting off as far as COVID goes, what are your general thoughts on it?

Personally I think that covid-19 a terrible thing and it has caused a lot of hardship on many people. I really hope that is resolved quickly and we can go back to our normal lives.

What about the vaccine?

My thoughts on the vaccine are that it would be extremely beneficial, and a crucial step in resolving the Covid crisis. I think that it’s a necessity and the first step to ending the pandemic. How safe do you feel the vaccine is?

I'm convinced that the vaccine is very safe and I'm actually getting it this Saturday. Both of my parents, grandparents, and some of my friends have already gotten it and it has been fine.

So then would you say it should be mandatory?

Yes, I think that the vaccine should be mandatory in order to keep everyone safe as a whole. If some people opt out it could put others at risk.

Is it okay to force people to do something like take a vaccine even though they might be uncomfortable?

I think it is ethical in terms of for the greater good. Although it isn’t right to force people I think it will do more harm than good so in this scenario it is actually okay.

Should the government get a say in forcing people, or should it just come down to schools and business?

Yes, it is the government's responsibility to keep everyone safe and I think that controlling vaccines is very important in order to end the pandemic and keep us safe.

So everyone should get the vaccine then?

Yes, everyone should use those two main vaccines (Pfizer and Moderna) to keep both yourselves and others around you covid free and bring us closer to the end of the pandemic.

Would you get it?

Yes, I am going to get the vaccine this Saturday because I think that it will keep me safe and help me socialize more with others who have gotten the vaccine.

Is covid over exaggerated?

I think that covid is over exaggerated just a little bit by the media but it is for the greater good because it helps keep everyone safe from getting sick.

Are things ready to go back to normal?

I think that they are very close to going back to normal but there are some precautions that have to be taken. But the light at the end of the tunnel is extremely close.

Cordova:

What are your thoughts on COVID?

It’s been very tough for a lot of people. I lost a lot of family. In a way I think it has done for good all the people it has brought together. I think that is really important and arguably it helped the world as a whole in bringing us together.

How about the vaccine?

I don’t really know much as far as how effective it is but I have heard some good things and some bad.

How safe do you think it is?

Like I said I don’t know too much but I will say a friend got it and the day after they felt really sick so there’s that.

Should everyone get it?

Maybe not yet but after some more tests yes.

Would you get it?

Yeah man, I’m scheduled for my first shot so I am really excited about that. The only thing that bothers me is I want pfizer but that's adults only. Should it be mandatory?

Probably eventually, like I said I don’t know if it is ready yet but eventually it for sure should be.

Is it moral to force people to do something that they are uncomfortable with like getting the vaccine?

Both yes and no. Yes because it helps everyone and no because it may make people uncomfortable. I think even though it is partially wrong overall it is good and more okay.

Is COVID overexaggerated?

No not really, I think things are kind of under exaggerated. I mean things aren't as bad as one year ago but it is still pretty bad. Maybe the media exaggerates but actual people who have experienced loss understand the severity and aren’t over exaggerating.

Are we in a state where we should return to normal or take more precautions?

Once herd immunity is built we can return back to normal. The way things are right now is good but in the future once more people have vaccinations and antibodies then we can go back to normal until then let's stay the way we are.

I believe it's interesting to delve into the minds of students and hear their opinions.

In summary, many students think COVID is a serious issue and that those who are eligible for the vaccine should take it, we even see some students wanting to take the vaccine. There is a general belief that we are in the motions of returning back to normal despite the hardships we have all faced in the last year. Though we see some varying opinions, hopefully younger generations can work together and build a safe and healthy future.

Meet the students:

Sammy Shinder:

“Hi I am Sammy. I am currently staying in New York although I am moving to Houston. I come from Russian descent. I like playing games such as CSGO and among us. My parents and basically all my family works in the medical field. `I have even have had family work in big medical positions”

Prasenjeet Ingole:

“I am from India but go to school in Houston. Although I will say I am staying in the UAE with my mom for her work. My high school is medical based and I hope I do something similar in that field.”

Enrique Cordova: “Ay I am 16 and I live in Houston. I go to debakey high school for health professions. I come from a mexican background and we are very family oriented. My family is very superstitious and cautious as we have many immunocompromised to stay the most informed. Beyond that I am into cars and I keep up with the latest technology news especially Apple.”