I Protected Myself

As a Covid-19 survivor and first responder, I did not think twice about getting the vaccine.

After several weeks of hearing all the important health information from the doctors at the Fair Haven Community Health Center, I was ready to get the Covid-19 vaccine as soon as it was available. I knew that it would protect me, my family, the patients I work with and many others not yet able to get the vaccine. Covid-19 almost took my life in April. By the Grace of God, I am here to talk about.it.

On Dec. 24, 2020, I received my first dose of the vaccine.

It is understandable that many people have questions about the vaccine. However, I think protecting ourselves from this deadly virus is most important. Do we want to continue living our lives with masks, at a six-foot-distance from one another, away from our families and friends? I do not! I want to fight the vicious virus that has killed over 400,000 innocent victims and return to our normal lives. 

On Jan. 22, 2021, I received my second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

My advise is to get the vaccine if you are given the opportunity. This is to protect yourself, your family, and the many people around you!

As President Joe Biden said in his first few days in office, it will take months to turn around the pandemic’s trajectory. Fatalities are expected to rise dramatically over the next few weeks.

Yes, we will continue to use our masks, maintain a six-foot distance, continue hand washing, and avoid crowds until we are all vaccinated and the pandemic is over. Until then, do your part! Protect yourself, your loved ones, and the many people that are not able to be vaccinated.

I am so grateful to my employer, Fair Haven Community Health Care, for offering its staff the Covid-19 vaccine.

I always say that the real gift of gratitude is that the more thankful you are, the more present you become. I am present! I am here as a Covid-19 survivor. We are all in this together. Stay safe and well!

Wanda Gomez is a Covid-19 survivor and a community health worker at the Fair Haven Community Health Center.

Previous Pandemic Diaries:

• 2nd Wave Hits Harder
• Firefighter Fights 2 Months Of Covid
• After ICU Shift, Coming Home To Family
• Ramadan Offers Pause During Pandemic
• Nursing Home Hell
• ICU Nurse Pivots To ​“New Territory”
• Covid Claims ​“Big E”
• Ray Of Hope Slips Through ICU Glass Doors
• The View From Inside The ER
• Doc Glimpses Coming Covid-19 ​“Storm”
• Day 20: I’m A Fighter, Not A Quitter
• Cops Roll With ​“Change Of Conditions”
• The Distance Between Us Diminishes
• Seniors Stuck In Stop & Shop Jam
• Burial In The Age Of Covid-19
• My Shades Of Gray World Is Suddenly Black And White
• Covid School, Day 1: Zzzzzz….