As difficult as this last year has been, there might be some light beginning to show the end of this everlasting tunnel of gloom as doses of the COVID Vaccine are beginning to be administered. 

There are 15,355 students enrolled in Rogers Public Schools, with 1,490 cases of COVID-19 since the beginning of the ‘20-’21 school year, more adding to it every day. As of late March, the vaccine is now open to 16 years old and older, and parents and students are both unsure of which choice to make; Should I get the vaccine or not? When students are asked about the vaccine and whether or not they would go to receive it, the answers were all mixed. 

“I personally wouldn’t get it myself. I don’t think students should get it, but they’re obviously going to do what they think is best for them, and I’m okay with that,” said Chloe Talley, senior, with many other students agreeing with her, including Avala Crowder, senior.

“In my opinion, I don’t think students should get the vaccine, only because we still don’t know how people are reacting to it. I think students should wait a few more months to see how people react to get a better idea of how well the vaccine works,” said Crowder. Although many agreed on this side, others also said that students should get the vaccine.

“I absolutely support students getting the vaccine if it’s made available to them. I would definitely get it if I was at risk or had family at risk. I’m not concerned about side effects or anything if it meant keeping others safe, my own peace of mind, and finally going back to life without masks and gloves, even though I would probably still wear a mask in highly crowded places,” said Laura Ethridge, senior. Teachers also seem to be in support of students getting the vaccine.

“I admire students who have the courage to get the vaccine and I appreciate students who are doing what they can to help stop the spread of COVID,” said Karla Gollhofer, English teacher.

In the end, it is up to each person’s individual decision based on their own beliefs and health. If you decide not to get vaccinated, please continue to do your part in stopping the spread of COVID-19 by wearing your mask properly by covering both your nose and mouth, washing your hands, keeping things sanitized, social distancing when necessary, and staying home when you’re sick.