Since the start of 2021, over 30 million doses of vaccine have been administered in California. Healthcare workers, food workers, teachers, people aged above 65, and agriculture workers were among the first people able to be vaccinated, with the first recorded vaccination on Dec. 14, 2020. Frontline workers such as teachers and emergency responders were next in line. As the phases move along, appointments have opened up for a wider range of people. As of Apr. 15, 2021, people 16 years of age and older have been eligible to receive vaccinations. As of May 11, 2021, those aged12-15 are eligible.
Students at San Marin have begun receiving vaccinations, allowing them to go to work, safely return to school, and regain a sense of normalcy.
Junior Madella Tai is one of those students, as she has been fully vaccinated since Mar. 16.
“We need herd immunity,” Tai said. “It’s great that 16 year olds can get their vaccines and this will make going back to school safer, and we can loosen sports restrictions and playing will become easier.”
With the vaccine rollout allowing a range of people to get innoculated, it raises the question about whether businesses are going to start requiring proof of vaccination. Some airlines might require what is referred to as a “vaccine passport” in order to travel internationally. “Cruise ships are requiring such proof for passengers to board ships, and some countries and international airlines might mandate them in order to travel internationally,” (Huffpost). Some companies, including hair salons, restaurants, and theaters are opposed to the idea of requiring a vaccine passport, worried it will drive away customers and decrease revenue.
The Marin Civic Center is now offering vaccinations to anyone 16 and over. In an effort to get everyone vaccinated, there are no appointments necessary, allowing individuals to show up and walk in. The Larkspur Ferry Terminal has also been transformed into a vaccination site, where appointments are scheduled through Curative.
“I could see many places requiring a vaccination in order to attend, and I think requiring vaccinations to attend places will make people feel more comfortable about having a regular summer and normal school year,” sophomore Sadie Fonarev said.
Anti-vaxxers are an additional variable in vaccine distribution. Traditionally, opposition to participating in immunizations would be normal. “As long as there have been vaccines, there have been people who objected to them,” (Healthline). However, due to the drastic effects of COVID-19, everyone is being encouraged to get vaccinated as soon as they can.
“The vaccine is a very good thing, in my opinion, 16 year olds are no exception to being vaccinated,” senior Derek Dela Cruz said. “But because of anti-vax resistance, some students may never get the vaccine and return to school.”
As of Mar. 8, the Center for Disease Control (CDC), is allowing fully vaccinated people to spend time together unmasked and not distanced.
“The vaccine has greatly impacted the level of comfort I feel in a crowded area,” junior Sydney Martinez said. “Now that my family and I are all safe, I don’t feel that I need to worry about their health as much.”
Seniors Maxine Walas and Elizabeth DeRuvo flex arms on the football field to demonstrate being fully vaccinated. Student athletes have been receiving the vaccine as they have returned to playing in person sports.
