Why I Got the COVID-19 Vaccine | Becky Kerry, RN

Becky Kerry is a Registered Nurse at UP Health System – Portage

For most of us, this past holiday season was unlike any other we have experienced. Instead of the typical hustle and bustle of holiday parties, family gatherings, and being surrounded by those we love – this year was just different. I know for me personally, I missed getting together with my family. This Christmas was really different for us. Normally, we have a very large indoor gathering with lots of games, food, and drinks. This year, we had a short small gathering outside for the present opening.

We’ve missed out on family vacations, and my kids were very much looking forward to going to Wisconsin Dells last summer but we had to cancel. My husband and I planned a trip to Jamaica to celebrate our tenth anniversary but had to cancel. My husband was the Mercy Award winner last year at UPHS – Portage, and normally, there is a trip to Nashville, TN, but that was canceled as well. I miss going out to eat. We have been fortunate to be able to still get take out from our favorite restaurant but it’s not the same, nor as enjoyable. I miss date nights with my husband. I miss seeing people’s beautiful smiles.

While changing traditions is 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 frontlines of fighting this pandemic as a Registered Nurse at UP Health System – Portage.

That’s why I’m 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 gain 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 40-60% effective.

You’ve probably heard about the potential side effects, which can include pain at the injection site and sometimes headaches, muscle pain, body aches, fatigue, or fever. I personally experienced a sore arm, much like what it feels like when you get a tetanus shot, which was mild and went away within three days. I can tell you from personal experience serving patients and families every day during this crisis that these potential side 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 feel I need to do my part to help stop this horrible virus. Having taken care of many patients with COVID-19 at the hospital, I’ve seen first hand how this virus has affected people and has devastated families. I want our world to return to pre-COVID times. This vaccine will help to protect me, my family, my work family, and my community.

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 masks, maintaining social distancing and practicing hand hygiene until the vaccine is widely administered. I want to encourage every member of our community to step up and be a vaccine hero once it is available to you. Do it for your family, your friends, yourself – and all of us at UP Health System – Portage.

While there is much that we all missed 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 that brighter days are ahead in 2021.

For a list of Frequently Asked Questions on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit https://www.mgh.org/covid-19-information/covid-19-vaccine-faq