Antwon Chavis, a pediatrician with OHSU Doernbecher Children’s Hospital, shares:

“I got vaccinated against COVID-19 because the evidence looked promising that it could help bring an end to the pandemic. Also, the African American community has been disproportionately affected by coronavirus, and I know I am more likely to have a negative outcome than many of my colleagues if I get sick. I believe in vaccines and I believe it’s safe. I wanted my family and my community to see that I trust science, and that vaccinating ourselves is important. I’ve since gotten my second dose. I experienced some mild arm soreness, a little fatigue and a relieved smile from ear to ear. I’m happy to be vaccinated!”

Jessi Cox, an emergency physician in Tillamook (below left), says, “I got vaccinated as soon as I possibly could so we can get the entire world back to school, work and in-person visits!”

Kimberly Ruscher, a pediatric surgeon in Eugene/Springfield (below right), says, “I chose to take the COVID-19 vaccine to help protect our community during this pandemic.”

As we learn more about the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon, we will share details on our vaccine page (English and Spanish).

This article first appeared in the Jan. 13, 2021 issue of Oregon Coronavirus Update.