Montgomery, Alabama Student Vaccine Hesitancy Analysis

By Holden Habermacher

Alabama has the lowest vaccination rate of any U.S. state at 30.8% as of June 16th. This is in large part due to the myths surrounding the COVID-19 vaccine and the inevitable hesitancy associated with all vaccines. Although the COVID vaccine has become very politicized, many other issues have also contributed to Alabama’s low vaccination rate. In the community of Montgomery, Alabama, many students have encountered vaccine hesitancy, which has colored their ability to access the vaccine. These students are classmates with the author, which must be disclosed. To fully understand how to best combat vaccine hesitancy, we must understand the primary source of this anxiety.

The most relevant hindrance to vaccine accessibility among young people is that, as an age group, their immunity is not prioritized. These students have faced opposition to the vaccine from their parents who believe that because they are young, they are not at risk and therefore do not need the vaccine. Yet, there are many reasons why young people should get the vaccine. First, many young people have died from COVID. More commonly, many young people (between the ages of 15-30) have ended up in the emergency room and even been left with long-term side effects. These side effects include respiratory difficulties and persistent loss of taste and smell.

Another reason for hesitancy, as per a student in Montgomery, is the side effects of the vaccine: some students are worried about the long-term side effects of receiving the vaccine. The issue was even personal for one student, who was close to somebody who suffered noticeable side effects to the vaccine. In response to concerns about vaccine side effects, the University of Missouri Health Care department stated that “severe side effects are extremely rare, and if they do occur, the first two months.” Therefore, the side effects are both unlikely to occur and only a concern in the short-term. The chance of having an adverse reaction is low and a mild reaction is simply a sign that “your body is building protection” from the virus (CDC). 

Additionally, fighting off the virus once does not preclude the body from receiving the vaccine. Some students who previously contracted COVID thought it best not to “risk the vaccine.” As stated earlier, the vaccine poses little to no risk, and the natural immunity from fighting the virus off also has its limits. The CDC states that “experts do not yet know how long you are protected from getting sick again after recovering from COVID-19” and that “you could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 again.” Additionally, getting vaccinated is good for general health and lowers the risk to those around oneself, strengthening the community. The COVID vaccine currently protects against the most widespread strains, but this does not stop the virus from mutating in the future. If most people are vaccinated, then the epidemic will be a step closer to being eradicated.

Dispelling falsehoods about vaccines is a crucial component in the crusade against COVID-19. Many students in the Montgomery area have struggled with hesitancy and the natural influence of skepticism, especially when confronted by such a dramatic change.. We must continually show that the vaccine is safe and effective according to the CDC and that all ages should receive it no matter if they have fought off COVID in the past or if they may face some mild side-effects. Spreading the truth about vaccines from trusted and scientifically proven information sources is the best way to raise Alabama and Montgomery’s vaccination rates.