Sandy Polishuk shared her reasons for getting the COVID-19 vaccine and what vaccination has given to her.

As an octogenarian, I knew I was in higher danger of serious illness, or even death, if I contracted COVID-19, but I was most motivated by my love of my family and my desire to spend time with them, especially my great grandchild, Sal, who was 6-months old when we locked down.

I had had masked visits outdoors, but Sal and I couldn’t touch and couldn’t bond. Now Sal is 20 months old, a real little person, and we are able to play together, to touch each other again. I was afraid I would die before we got to know each other. 

I feel so much calmer now. I’ve been going to the grocery for most of the pandemic, but I was always so anxious. It was exhausting and sometimes I wasn’t as nice to the employees as I wanted to be, even though I was so grateful they were there and helping me get the things I needed.

I also put off a lot of my routine medical care, not a great idea when you’re 80, but I was too nervous to get care unless it was an emergency.

All this has changed now that I’m fully vaccinated and feel safe out in public. Plus, I finally got a haircut and don’t cringe when I see myself in the mirror! 

To learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine in Oregon and how to schedule an appointment, visit covidvaccine.oregon.gov. Once you’re vaccinated, you can share your vaccine story with us by filling out our survey, either in English or Spanish, or by using the hashtags #MyVaccineReason or #MiVozMiVacuna when you share on your social media channels.

This article first appeared in the June 1, 2021 issue of Oregon Coronavirus Update.