Four Reasons For Gen Z To Roll Up Their Sleeves

June 4, 2021—COVID-19 vaccines are safe, effective and free. And virtually anyone 12 and older who wants one can now get a shot. That’s good news in America’s fight against the pandemic. But not everyone is seizing this opportunity.

That may be particularly true of young, healthy people. Polls suggest some in Gen Z are hesitant when it comes to the vaccine.

A vaccine for all generations

COVID-19 vaccines help protect old and young alike. Whether to get one is a personal decision. But if you’re hesitant, maybe you just haven’t found your reasons yet.

If so, you might want to consider these:

1. Colleges may require it. Many colleges and universities have already said that they will require students to get a COVID-19 vaccine before they head back to campus. Getting a shot now could head off any potential issues with that this fall.
2. It could be good for your social life. When you’re fully vaccinated, you can enjoy more activities safely, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For instance, you can meet up indoors unmasked with vaccinated friends, as well as unmask for small outdoor gatherings--and you can travel safely within the U.S. In the big picture, each time someone gets vaccinated, we all move a little closer to doing normal things again, like going to concerts or sporting events.
3. The side effects are generally mild. Some people don’t experience any side effects at all. Those who do often have mild symptoms, like a sore arm, headache, chills, tiredness or fever. And these should only last a few days. They’re normal signs your body is building immunity. Also good to know: You can’t get COVID-19 from any of the vaccines. Serious allergic reactions or complications are rare, and long-term side effects are unlikely.
4. You’re helping to protect your loved ones and your community. If you’re healthy and young, you may not be at high risk for severe COVID-19. But if you get infected, you could spread the illness to someone who is. That could be a friend, a loved one or someone you’ve never met. Last summer, many parts of the country saw a surge in COVID-19 infections. And researchers linked it in part to infections spreading from young people to older people. Getting vaccinated is a good way to show you care about the health of others.

Southeast Georgia Health System is offering COVID-19 Pfizer vaccines for all individuals age 12 and older at its Brunswick and St. Marys Vaccine Clinics. Pfizer is the only COVID-19 vaccine currently approved for those aged 12-18. Appointments can be scheduled online at sghs.org/covid19-vaccine.