Ava Thompson ‘21: How were you first aware that you were to get the COVID-19 vaccine? What was the process and paperwork to get the vaccine?

Jonathan Necheles:  “It’s one of those things where it’s been offered through a couple of sources. So, the one that was available to me was through Northwestern where I’m on faculty. And so that’s how I got it.”

AT: Take me through the day you got the vaccine. What was running through your head? 

JN:  “I was excited but I was nervous that I went in and it was pretty seamless you know like people check you in. You walked in, they walked into a little area. It was a big room actually full of stations socially just. And you roll up your sleeve. They asked you some questions.”

AT: What was your initial feeling while getting the vaccine?

JN: “There was a sense of relief coming. But until I got the second one I was still feeling I needed that second one that [to] really feel more comfortable. [However,] more comfortable isn’t like I’m going to not wear a mask anymore and not socially distance. More comfortable is- if God forbid-I got COVID, this vaccine should make it so it’s not as bad.” 

AT: Did you have any concerns about being vaccinated? If so, have you overcome them?

JN: “I was excited and nervous. It was a vaccine that was just created. Literally from the time you know the virus was identified to the time the vaccine was offered was less than a year. And vaccines typically take, you know, anywhere from five to 20 years to develop.”

AT: Have your COVID-19 precautions changed since you’ve gotten the vaccine? 

JN: No. 

AT: Based on your experience, do people who refuse to get vaccinated have anything to fear? Has anyone around you refused to get vaccinated? 

JN: “I’ve heard people that have talked about that they’re not going to get vaccinated. But all the doctors I work with here have gotten in here to get their second dose to get on with it.”