COVID-19 guidelines should remain a choice

We are all aware of the infamous COVID-19 virus by now as it has affected the entire nation, as well as many of us personally in different manners. 

While I believe we have a duty to protect our fellow people, when does it come down to having a personal choice as to what we have been mandated by the federal and local government to do?

At this time, masks are mandated by the Nebraska State College System with no end in sight, but if you are like me, you are tired of wearing them and would like to know a potential answer as to when they will not be required any longer. 

When it comes to the COVID-19 vaccines, I am more than happy to see that they have finally reached our rural corner of Nebraska; however, I feel that receiving the vaccinations should always remain a personal choice for each person to make. 

Although I have not been told by anyone at CSC that I must take a vaccine, I have noticed in classroom settings, as well as in passing of hallways and buildings, more than several professors repetitively promoting the idea that we students should receive the vaccine so that we may hopefully get to return to a normal school setting in the fall semester. 

Concerningly, they make it seem like students cannot return to a normal setting in the fall if they decide not to receive a COVID-19 vaccine.

 The idea of it makes me uncomfortable because injecting something into your body is a rather permanent ordeal, which should be taken very seriously. 

With that said, I hope everyone does ample research into any vaccine they are considering before receiving it. 

As you may have heard, the Johnson & Johnson vaccine was recalled last week because of potential adverse health effects. 

This was only caught after over four million doses were already administered to the general public. 

Hence, it does feel like there is a mainstream rush to get the vaccination simply for the good of the people, without asking any questions about the vaccine itself. 

Our federal health guidelines seem to flip flop daily, and after “15 days to flatten the curve” here we are over 365 days later. 

Furthermore, I have watched many interviews with Dr. Anthony Fauci, and he states that even after receiving a vaccine, masks must still be worn and limited public exposure is still key. 

This leads to my previous question of when will the health guidelines end if there is seemingly no reward for getting the vaccine?

I personally will not be receiving the vaccine at any time. If you ask me why, my answer will always be that I don’t feel it’s necessary for a virus with a 96-98% survival rate.

Essentially, I believe everyone has the right to personal choices and personal freedoms and should be allowed to express these. 

The environment of CSC should always be welcoming to all students to share these choices, values, and beliefs without fear of discrimination.