Sophomore Elise Bowen is among the millions of Americans who have lined up and received their doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. According to vdh.virginia.gov,  children 15 and younger are not allowed to get the vaccine. 

Bowen got her second shot April 4 and has felt fine since. 

“As soon as I turned 16, I signed up for a date and got my first shot,” Bowen said. I just received my second shot about two days ago, which means it’ll take two weeks until it’s fully effective.”

Despite the aversion some Americans have shown towards the vaccine, as reported by the  University of Minnesota back in March, Bowen is proud of herself for getting both shots and is excited for things to get back to normal.

Junior Hope Biltoc said that she got her first dose March 29 and will be getting her second on April 13.

“I’m very ecstatic that I got my vaccine, which means that I can finally start going out without having to fully worry,” Bitloc said. “Of course I´ll be wearing my mask and being cautious, but I´ll have this sense that ‘oh I got my shots so I´m fine.’ I think it’s very exciting for those of us who’ve been quarantined to finally leave the house.¨

Biltoc is impressed by how efficiently a COVID-19 vaccine was produced. 

“I think it’s a good advancement in medicine, considering how fast they made it, and I think it’ll be a big key in putting an end to the pandemic,” she said.

Despite the fact that millions of Americans have been vaccinated,  some people refuse to get the shots. Sources like Henryford debunk popular myths surrounding the different vaccines. One such myth is that the vaccine isn’t safe because of how quickly it was developed. 

As Bowen learns that there are people who wont get the vaccine she felt a sudden anger knowing theres people who will possibly risk everything just so they wont get the shot

“I think that people who do not want to get the vaccine are very irresponsible and selfish, and if I’m being 100% honest, they aren’t smart at all,” Bowen said. “They really need to educate themselves.” Bowen said. 

Senior Emilie Kipp on the other hand thinks that it’s each person’s choice when it comes to getting the shot. She has gotten both shots and has been feeling fine. 

“It doesn’t make me angry, as everyone is allowed to have their own opinion on the vaccine and it’s a choice,” Kipp said. “I personally got it so that I could go out and see friends, travel and live a more normal lifestyle without worrying too much about getting sick.”