Why Did I Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19?
Thoughts From Teenagers
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Teenagers shared with us their reasons for getting vaccinated against COVID-19
I chose to get vaccinated not for me, but for the ones I love. I want to live my life and to do it without guilt. Acting, writing, dancing, public speaking, I have broadly experimented with my emotional side. But, if I were to choose one feeling which I never want to identify myself with, that would be guilt. The guilt I felt when my parents were hospitalised with a severe form of COVID-19. The guilt which, after their discharge from the hospital, contrasted with moments of happiness, because I knew that I could pass again through what meant to me August 2020: the need to hold back my tears and be strong, when my parents’ conditions could worsen at any minute.
Guilt which I don’t feel now that I am vaccinated. It’s ok not to fear for oneself. But if you fear even just a little bit for your loved ones, get vaccinated. The absence of guilt is a luxury, but one that we can now afford. Take advantage of this!
Oana, 16 years old, Brașov
I got vaccinated because I like feeling free. Like any other person, I thought that I’d like to meet people, travel and participate in events. But the main reason is, of course, the responsibility towards my freedom, which consists of not limiting the freedom of others. While not being vaccinated, I could meet people, but I knew that there was always a bigger risk, without the vaccine, to catch the virus and then transmit it further, getting my loved ones sick. This way, I was constantly putting in a considerable danger my colleagues, parents and grandparents, who deserve, like me, to be free, that is not to get sick. Although putting the blame is disputable when someone caches the virus, this sensitive dilemma has constantly given me remorse and pressure. However, I am glad that the vaccine came as a solution, which has almost completely relieved me of the stress caused by these “burdens”. This is really a feeling of freedom.
Sebi, 18 years old, Ploiești
I chose to get vaccinated because I want to live my life in the present. During the period which we all went through, I was an introvert, lost in the thoughts that maybe tomorrow will not be the same. Once I saw my friends, family and loved ones again, I felt that everything could go back to normal. But the entire situation was getting worse, the hospitals were full of patients, my loved ones were getting sick and I was blaming myself that I could do nothing. I anxiously awaited the day that I, together with my parents, managed to get vaccinated. I felt the gratitude and the happiness of the doctors who were waiting for us and then I felt fulfilled thinking that I could help with the return to normality. Now I can see again the persons I missed so much, with the certainty that I don’t represent a risk for them.
Andrada, 16 years old, Vaslui
Being only 17, the main reason for which I chose to get vaccinated wasn’t to protect myself, but to protect those around me. I got vaccinated in order to see my grandparents, my relatives and friends again, without the pressure of the mask and the stress of getting infected. I got vaccinated because I want things to go back to normal. I got vaccinated because I trust science and the specialists which dedicated whole months to the creation of the vaccine, but also to show my respect for the medical staff that has been working nonstop for a whole year in order to save the less fortunate that needed help in order to withstand this terrible virus. Fortunately, the result of the vaccination can be seen clearly in the decreasing infection rates throughout Romania. This is why I am very glad that I contributed even a little bit to the return to normality and if you can contribute too, I encourage you to do it. Get vaccinated!
Mihnea, 17 years old, Gherla
The best decision I’ve made during this pandemic period was to get vaccinated. I chose to do it in order to leave my anxiety behind and the stress that I could get sick and hurt those around me. I consider that this is the thing all of us should do in order to surpass this stage of our lives. I believe in science and in medicine, in research and in doctors. I am very grateful to them for all the time they dedicated to the development of this vaccine. I am lucky to have had access to the vaccination services! I encourage everyone who can to get vaccinated! You can also contribute to the return to normality!
Anda, 16 years old, Oradea
