Fortunately, I received the COVID-19 vaccine. For most of us eligible for the vaccine right now - healthcare workers seeing coronavirus patients day in and day out - I believe this decision is easy. The benefits far outweigh the risks. I trust the scientists who developed the vaccines and the independent experts who reviewed the data. I trust the colleagues I've talked to, physicians and pharmacists, who agree that the vaccine appears both effective and safe. I am grateful that it is here, and that I was able to receive it.

American health care doesn't prioritize preventive medicine, but preventive medicine is probably the most important thing we can do. Our health depends on a balanced diet, regular exercise, avoidance of smoking, drinking, and drugs, and, indeed, appropriate immunizations. If we prevent ourselves from getting sick, we save ourselves so much grief, pain, disability, and complication. We save the system money and resources. Although our healthcare is designed around treating things when they go wrong, we should put more emphasis on preventing things from going wrong in the first place.

I know we may have stubborn attitudes towards getting vaccinated, but this is important. It is preventive medicine. It is effective at protecting us from coronavirus, and these days, all of us are at risk for getting COVID. With over a hundred thousand Americans hospitalized with it right now and thousands dying daily, avoiding this disease is no small thing. It is certainly worth the mild discomforts associated with the vaccine (and so far, I have not experienced any problems). And though long-term outcomes are unknown, I believe the clear direct benefit outweighs any nebulous concerns that haven't yet come to light. As with everything, there are exceptions, and so those with severe allergies, history of vaccine reactions, pregnancy, or complicated medical histories should discuss with their physician.

I feel relieved after being vaccinated. Working long hours in an intensive care unit filled with COVID patients is stressful. Seeing its devastating effects on young patients is scary. I worry about bringing the virus home or transmitting it to others (though currently, we do not know whether a vaccinated individual can be an asymptomatic carrier). Seeing our communities struggle amid this pandemic is heartbreaking. But after receiving my first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, I am beginning to see a bit of hope that these stresses, worries, and concerns will not last forever.