Who is taking the COVID-19 Shot? Do you think all teachers should?

I find it curious that for all our history as a society doing things for the public good, much of those being decisions made before we were born, the idea of taking a vaccine is even a discussion point. As kids, unless parents were home schooling or paying for private school, we Had to go to public school. This is mandated because it’s in the interest of public good, at minimum to keep kids busy and out of trouble, and otherwise to educate them and give them the tools to meet their goals. We Have to pull over and get out of the way of police, fire trucks, ambulances because it is for the public good. Other people decided that traffic lights had to be put in place to regulate traffic; we overwhelmingly follow the law and stop at the red lights because it’s in the public good and we benefit as well. Even when they put stop signs in our neighborhoods, we overwhelmingly obey the signs, whether or not we agree with the placement, whether or not we know someone who was injured or killed at that intersection. And even at night when no one is around to see us and no one is in the crosswalk.

How many of you “it’s my choice” folks routinely choose to blow through the red lights and stop signs, choose to stay in the way of emergency vehicles, choose to keep your kids out of any educational opportunity (home schooling can be inconvenient to parents, after all)?! And as concerns the kids in our lives, both our own and other people’s, what do your actions teach them?

ALHS 1 Excuse me? What are you implying that I am not so innocent? I did read the post and No sources were sited. Ok so it may not be the only way to live. Some people are more risk takers, meaning they will take their chances by not getting the vaccine because they don’t trust it. However, those who choose not to be vaccinated are capable of putting others at risk. What ever happened to the good for humanity.? Instead of focusing on debating with me about it, many other people feel the same way I do. Life is a risk, and we cannot protect ourselves from all of them.... but you don’t think it’s wise to protect yourself, your students, and anyone you come in contact with? Would you rather where a mask forever?
For as free as this country is , we have laws and they are for the good of all., not individuals. At one time we didn’t have to wear seatbelts... driving is a risk. Now it’s a law and many lives have been saved. What I’ve been trying to understand is the WHY NOT... I’m not referring to those who can’t ( because I too may not be able to make the antibodies) but I’m going to try because I want to hug my parents, and let the littles hug me if they need to. Are you able to give me a sound reason as to why not if there is no medical issues that prevent you from getting it or is it just about you? What you as the individual wants? (Discussion... we may just disagree, without the name calling and implications) thanks .

No, thank you. Too many issues can result from some of the ingredients. Besides, I haven't taken a flu shot for almost 50 years & I have never had the flu.

I will not be taking the vaccine. I have a litany of reasons for this decision, all of which are well informed. I understand how others feel about it and I respect their positions. I just wish I will be offered that same respect, but I am doubtful. Considering one of the reasons pertains to my personal risk for adverse reactions to mRNA vaccines, it is deeply hurtful to think that other educators would wish for my being removed from the profession I work so hard for and from the students who I love so so much. I am a healthy and in shape professional who is not worried about getting Covid-19. I am being proactive in building up my immune system and I abide by all of our district's policies in regards to the pandemic. Forcing me to inject something into my body that has a substantial chance of effecting me negatively--and to what degree is unknowable--is authoritarian and not an appropriate approach. Forcing an educator to choose between the profession they love and is immeasurably effective at and an injection of a substance that can damage them permanently is not right. Anyone who wants to take it, more power to you. But I will not be taking it and I will fight to keep my job tooth and nail. I believe the state of Arkansas is reasonable and will not force educators to choose between their profession and possible bodily harm.

I will absolutely NOT be getting this unsafe poison. Vaccines are questionable in the first place and then to have one that was so quickly made for a virus they don't even fully understand. This vaccine can alter your RNA and DNA. What kind of robots are they making? People this should NOT be mandated! If you want to get it then get it but you should NOT force people to put things into their bodies that they don't want! That would be like me telling you that you had to smoke or kill the baby inside of you. It should be a choice! We live in AMERICA!

All great comments, but if I was the Superintendent, I would make it mandatory, much like you need a license to drive, or a teaching credential, or the fact that in California you need to pass a TB test. Well if you’re not going to take the shot you need to test everyday at your expense to protect others. I think if the almost 400,000 people who have died had a say they would say...

You know how it is, without coercion through laws people won’t do the right thing. As we all can see with people putting ME first. But, what can you expect when national, state, and local officials offer no truth or real leadership.

If you don’t get the vaccine you don’t belong in public.

I’m not gonna lie I’m a little apprehensive about it I’m not saying I won’t but I need to see how it all works and it’s impacts first. Not rushing the process at all.

I am as soon as it’s available. I do understand that there will be many who won’t and I respect their right to choose.

I have very mixed feelings about the vaccine. It's just as scary as Covid-19. Am I wrong in saying I want to wait and see how it goes for others first?

I just want to hug my parents again!!! This vaccine will give me that opportunity!

I think I will wait. My boyfriend got the vaccine last month and had terrible side effects. I just had covid in November and I have not recovered yet. My heart isn’t strong enough to do day to day things, let alone fight side effects from a vaccine. Jealous of those who are getting it!!

I'm gonna get it. Gonna have to apologize to the nurse for glaring & cussing at her (cuz ya know, needles) but I'm getting it.

I'm getting it the first chance I get. Myself and many family members are compromised, so the more we can do to protect each other, the better.

Absolutely not. Shouldn’t be required!!! It’s a personal choice!

I have already signed up to get the vaccine. Scientists have been working for years to develop a coronavirus vaccine. The common cold is a coronavirus. The research was already out there. They just had to make it specific to Covid-19. I believe in science.

me! and why not? we have to get other vaccinations. part of our jo is to keep students safe.

I can't wait. I'm in.

I will as soon as possible!

I can wait. So I will. And I’ll watch. As long as I can stay virtual, I feel like I can comply with masking and stay at home orders.

I wonder if the vaccinated will over-trust it’s protection before real data emerges showing how the shot guards against mutations and future strains.

No way am i taking it!