Diana, a lawyer who lives in Brownsville, waited quite some time before getting vaccinated. A 63-year-old with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and a pacemaker, she felt hesitant about getting the COVID-19 vaccine.

Diana shared, “I figured that I could just keep myself safe and isolated from exposure since I am working from home. But as time went on, I realized that no matter how isolated I stayed, I was still risking exposure – the trip to the post office, the gas station, greeting a delivery person at my gate, etc.”

Diana moved to Brownsville, a small local community outside of Eugene, many years ago. She likes the quiet life and small-town comradery. But, as the pandemic has gone on, even local folks have been exposed to and contracted COVID-19 during this past year. “You don’t need to live in a big city to get exposed! I, personally, made the decision that the vaccine was my safest path to protecting myself and my townsfolk from exposure.”

After consulting with her primary care doctor and pharmacist, Diana decided it was time to get the shot. She had no reaction to the two shots other than a bit of a sore arm.

“I feel so much safer now. But I still wear my mask and social distance. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!” said Diana. “I will continue to remain safe, given my age and health conditions. But I now feel more confident that should I get exposed to COVID that I will have a better chance of survival and not end up in the over-crowded emergency rooms.”

Diana has this message to share with others in Oregon: “Just do it! Please. We can’t get this virus under control if we don’t have a united effort.”

Vaccines are safe and the most effective way to protect us against serious illness and hospitalizations due to COVID-19. Find more information and a vaccine site near you today by visiting our Find a COVID-19 Vaccine in Oregon web page.