Whenever I come across an article about the COVID-19 vaccine on social media, I cautiously dive into the comments. Beyond the anti-vaxxers and conspiracy theorists, I often see remarks like, “it’s too early,” or “I’ll wait for others to be the guinea pigs.” It’s a valid concern; after all, no vaccine has ever been created in such a short time frame, and this one, much like face masks, has become a contentious issue in our political landscape.
But the “guinea pigs” you’re curious about? That’s me. I’m just a local teacher, and I want to share my experience.
It’s Not About Bravery
When I tell people I’m part of the vaccine trial, their initial reactions often range from shock to asking if I’m sure it’s safe. Many express admiration, calling me brave or thanking me for my “service,” as if I were in a war zone. The truth is, I’m not particularly courageous. I’m a 40-year-old English teacher with seven-year-old twins and a few mild health conditions. I share the same longing for a return to normalcy as everyone else. After feeling powerless for six months during this pandemic, volunteering for the trial felt like a small step I could take toward resolution.
I’m also a strong advocate for science. I actively support climate action, mask-wearing, and ensuring my kids are vaccinated on schedule. When the opportunity to participate in the vaccine trial arose, I felt it was time to put my beliefs into action. As a teacher who took extra precautions for my classroom, adding one more safety measure seemed reasonable.
In the small online group of trial participants I’m part of, we share similar stories. We are everyday individuals from various professions—doctors, bartenders, artists, stay-at-home parents—but we all share a profound belief in science and its power to lead us out of this crisis. While there’s a sense of pride in contributing to medical history, our main motivation was simple: if not us, then who?
The Experience is Quite Normal
Before I enrolled, I had a basic understanding of medical trials but had never considered why someone would join one. After hearing on local public radio that a nearby hospital was seeking participants, I reached out to the site coordinator and soon found myself getting my first injection.
Each trial has its requirements, and for this one, I needed to demonstrate sufficient exposure to the coronavirus to qualify. As a teacher returning to a hybrid model, I met that criteria. I received my first shot in early September and the second three weeks later. I’m unaware if I got the actual vaccine or a placebo, and neither does anyone at the testing site. Over the next two years, I’ll return for blood draws and maintain a weekly journal. While I do receive compensation—enough to cover winter boots for my kids—it’s not life-changing. Since I don’t know if I received the vaccine or the placebo, I live my life as usual.
You Should Consider Getting Vaccinated
I don’t possess any insider knowledge just because I’m in the trial, and I’m not a scientist or healthcare professional. However, as a teacher, I know how to thoroughly research topics. Prior to enrolling, I consulted multiple credible sources, listened to vaccine experts like Dr. Jane Smith and Dr. Robert Johnson, and asked numerous questions of the medical staff at my testing site. As a parent, I would never put myself in harm’s way.
I experienced no side effects from my first shot, and just mild soreness in my arm from the second. It’s possible I received the placebo, or I may have had a slight reaction. Some participants report temporary symptoms resembling those of a hangover or mild flu for a couple of days, but those pale in comparison to the effects of COVID-19.
While it’s true no vaccine has been developed in under four years before, the rapid pace of this vaccine’s development doesn’t equate to it being unsafe. No one—especially not the developers—wants to release a vaccine that could cause more harm than good. Based on current data, the vaccine is safe. COVID-19, on the other hand, is deadly. With hundreds of thousands of lives lost, the virus continues to spread, and its long-term effects remain uncertain. Although a vaccine won’t instantly return us to our pre-pandemic lives, it’s the best measure we have to protect ourselves and those we love. If I can do it, so can you.
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Summary
This article shares the personal experience of a teacher who volunteered for a COVID-19 vaccine trial amid widespread skepticism about vaccine safety. Despite common misconceptions about bravery, the author emphasizes the importance of scientific advocacy and the desire for a return to normalcy. They recount their journey from enrollment to receiving the vaccine and encourage others to consider vaccination for their protection and the well-being of loved ones.
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