ICU Nurse Op-Ed: Why I Got the COVID-19 Vaccine

By Terrance King, registered nurse at Memorial Medical Center’s ICU

For most of us, this past holiday season was unlike any other we have experienced. Instead of the typical hustle and bustle of our holiday parties, family gatherings and being surrounded by those we love - this year was just different.

I know for me personally, I missed my family’s tradition of the special holiday potlucks that are unique and off the wall. In a normal year, we all get together and cook a dish that is special to us. In my family, it isn’t just enjoying a meal and opening presents that makes the holidays special. It is the time we spend preparing the food and enjoying each other’s company throughout the process. Although we were not able to celebrate like we usually do, this year we were still able to share time together, whether it be through phone calls or video chatting.

While changing traditions this year was hard, I know there are people here in our community who are facing much greater difficulties because of how COVID-19 has impacted their lives. I see these challenges every single day in my role on the front lines of fighting this pandemic as an ICU nurse at Memorial Medical Center. While the hospital is safe for patients and staff, the vaccine is our greatest weapon in this important fight on a much larger scale.

That’s why I was excited and proud to be among the first to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. I know many people have questions or concerns about the vaccine. I did too, at first. However, after talking to other clinicians I know and trust, reviewing the facts and being tired of missing so much in 2020, I feel very confident in my decision to get vaccinated.

COVID-19 vaccines have gone through the same rigorous process to get an authorization that all vaccines available in the United States have gone through - no steps were skipped, and no corners were cut. Researchers anticipate that the vaccine will be approximately 95% effective. This is significantly higher than other common (and important) vaccines like the flu vaccine, which is typically between 40 and 60% effective.

You’ve probably heard about the potential side effects, which can include soreness at the injection site and sometimes headaches, muscle pain, body aches, fatigue or fever. I personally experienced some of these common side effects including soreness at the injection site, a low-grade fever, fatigue and mild body aches. I was prepared for these side effects and was sure to stay hydrated and get plenty of rest. Overall, the side effects were mild and only lasted a couple of days. I can tell you from personal experience serving patients and families every day during this crisis that these potential effects pale in comparison to the challenges that come with a serious case of COVID-19.

For me, I chose to get the vaccine because I wanted to do my part in eradicating this terrible virus as well as to serve as an example to the community that it is safe and effective.

With the COVID-19 vaccine, I believe we are on the right path toward reaching an end to the pandemic and returning to normal life, but it is going to take all of us doing our part by choosing to get vaccinated, continuing to wear a mask, maintaining social distance and practicing hand hygiene until the experts say we’re ready to relax. I want to encourage every member of our community to step up and receive the vaccine once it is available to you. Do it for your family, your friends, yourself and all of us at Memorial Medical Center.

We all missed so much last year because of the pandemic. There is now a light at the end of the tunnel. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve this community, and I will continue to do my part to help ensure brighter days are ahead in 2021.

Terrance King is a registered nurse at Memorial Medical Center’s ICU and the first to be vaccinated in the department.