Want to stop wearing a mask everywhere?

Tired of video meetings and classes?

Feel like hugging your friends and family again?

Ready to go to a restaurant, concert or party without stressing?

Many of us are thinking “yes” to at least one (if not all) of these questions.

Back to Normal

Here’s the awesome news: There’s a pretty simple way for us to return to that “normal” we’ve all been missing. Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 will help us get back there sooner, rather than later.

When each of us takes this (relatively painless) step, we’re doing our part to help improve our community’s overall vaccination rate. That will help us get back to regular activities—in and out of the classroom—faster.

Of course, there are specific medical and religious reasons why an individual may decide not to get the COVID-19 vaccine. I chose to get vaccinated, in part, to help keep those folks who can’t get vaccinated safe from the virus. (And, I’ll admit, because I’m ready to start seeing people’s faces again.)

Here are some of the reasons I got my COVID-19 vaccination—and why I hope you’ll consider getting yours…

It’s Safe

Vaccines have to be proven safe before they’re given to the public. The COVID-19 vaccines are no different. But don’t take my word for it. Learn more about each of the COVID vaccines here.

Companies that developed COVID vaccines went through rigorous scientific testing before submitting their vaccines to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for approval. Each clinical research study or trial tested the vaccine thoroughly on tens of thousands of people.

Individuals from diverse backgrounds volunteered to take part in these vaccine trials. A friend of mine lost her mom to COVID early in the pandemic, so she was one of the first people who stepped up to participate. Along with the research scientists, the volunteers for those clinical trials are a big reason that the end of the pandemic is now in sight. Each successful trial emphasizes the safety of the vaccine—and they also show how well the vaccine works.

The FDA then independently reviews the information from these tests to make sure the vaccine is safe and effective. Only then does the agency decide whether the vaccine can be made available to the public. All vaccines must undergo this rigorous scientific process. The FDA held the COVID-19 vaccines to the same safety standards as all other vaccines.

Need More Proof?

These vaccines are being proven safe every day by regular people like you and me. Hundreds of thousands of Coloradans—doctors, nurses, young people and senior citizens—have already gotten vaccinated.

My whole extended family is vaccinated (except for the kids under 12), along with many of the people I work and play with. I have yet to hear from a single acquaintance who regrets that decision. Nationally, many millions of people have received the vaccine under the most intense safety monitoring in US history.

I got the Johnson & Johnson single-dose shot about two months ago because that’s what was available that day. And yes, the next day I was tired and somewhat achy—but that went away within 10-12 hours. Now I feel a lot less stressed about going into stores and restaurants, and I’m way more comfortable spending time with friends and co-workers who are also vaccinated.

Effective Protection Against COVID

This reason is pretty straightforward—the vaccine works. People who are vaccinated are much less likely to get COVID, and if they do, their symptoms are generally less severe.

Vaccine effectiveness studies—which analyze how the vaccines work in the real world—show that they reduce the risk of COVID-19, including severe illness, by 90% or more.

In addition to providing you, personally, protection against COVID, vaccination can reduce the spread of disease overall, helping protect the people around you.

It’s Free and Easy

Getting vaccinated against COVID doesn’t cost you a penny. And finding a COVID-19 vaccination is easier than ever.

Not sure where to get your shots? You can use this Vaccine Spotter or the state of Colorado’s vaccine provider map to find a vaccine appointment near you. Or check out this list of community vaccination sites for the most convenient location in your area.

Front Range Community College is also having our first COVID Vaccine Clinics this summer—one on each of our three campuses. They’re open to all students and employees, as well as the general public. During these clinics, the Pfizer vaccine will be administered in partnership with TrueCare 24. Anyone 12 years of age and older can participate.

When:

10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

June 10, 2021 (Dose 1)

July 1, 2021 (Dose 2)

Where:

Boulder County Campus (Student Commons), 2190 Miller Drive in Longmont

Larimer Campus (Longs Peak Student Center), 4616 S. Shields Street in Fort Collins

Westminster Campus (Rocky Mountain Room, C-0770, Entrance 2), 3645 W. 112th Avenue

Register now:

Boulder County Campus

Larimer Campus

Westminster Campus

Walk-ins:

Didn’t make an appointment? That’s OK. You can also just show up.

You can even get a free ride to your vaccination. Don’t let transportation challenges stop you—or other people you know—from getting vaccinated. Here’s how to get a lift at no cost:

  • Mile High United Way’s Ride United program provides access to free rides to vaccination sites across Colorado, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. -5 p.m. Call 2-1-1 now to learn more.
  • Lyft and Uber are also offering free transportation to and from vaccine clinics.

You Could Win $1 Million (or a Major Scholarship)

The state of Colorado has implemented a $1 million lottery for every Coloradan who gets vaccinated against COVID-19. If you’re vaccinated and over 18, you’re automatically entered to win. (This isn’t why I chose to get vaccinated, but it seems like a good incentive to go ahead and do it now, if you haven’t already.)

As part of this public health initiative, the Colorado Lottery will conduct a random weekly drawing on behalf of the Colorado Department of Public Health & Environment to identify one vaccinated Colorado resident each week to win a million-dollar cash prize.

Vaccinated Coloradans ages 12-17 are also eligible for a$50,000 Comeback Cash scholarship. The funds will be placed in a College Invest account for the student to use when they pursue post-secondary education.

It can take a few days for information to be entered into the system, so you should try to get vaccinated as far in advance of the drawings as possible. The last day to qualify is June 30. The winner of each drawing will be announced on June 4, June 11, June 18, June 25 and July 7. See all the details and rules at www.coloradocomebackcash.com.

Need More Reasons?

The Tri-County Health Department has put together this great list of other COVID-19 vaccine incentives:

Doing Our Part

Getting any vaccination is a personal decision. If you’re hesitant for any reason, I appreciate you reading this far. Seriously—if you’re on the fence, thanks for considering this.

If, or when, you choose to get your vaccine, snap a photo and tag @FRCCedu on Instagram with your reason for getting vaccinated for a chance to be featured on our social media channels.

THANK YOU for doing your part to keep our communities safe and healthy. And for helping FRCC’s students and teachers get back into the classroom this fall. We can’t wait to see you all on campus soon.

Related Posts