Vaccine Talks: My Mom Is A Teacher, But She Did Not Want To Be First To Get Vaccinated

This is part of a series of conversations that Cal State Northridge students had with loved ones about COVID-19 vaccinations. Planning your own conversation with family or friends? Here are some tips.

Angelica Tatesovian, Glendale

My mother, an elementary school teacher in her 50s, was on the fence about whether or not to take the vaccine. Some told her the side effects are minor, but she has also heard a story of someone tragically dying after getting vaccinated.

Many of her colleagues were also stuck between opposing opinions. There was a massive debate within her school district as Glendale Unified considered returning to in-person classes. District officials then asked that teachers volunteer to take the vaccine. Just like her colleagues, my mother did not want to be the first. She was open to taking the vaccine, but wanted to see how others reacted before she decided to take it herself.

After she noticed the positive responses outweighed the negative, my mother decided to get vaccinated, as the district also confirmed they will return to in-person classes by the end of March. She felt that this was the best decision for the safety of her students, her family, and herself.

READ THE REST OF OUR 'VACCINE TALKS' SERIES:

• Getting My Father Vaccinated Before He Gets COVID-19 Again
• When Will My Teen Brother, A Cancer Survivor, Be Protected?
• My Mom Is Diabetic, Cleans Offices And Is Not Eligible Yet For The Vaccine. Or Is She?
• Convincing My Grandparents That Bill Gates Did Not Want To Microchip Them
• My Grandmother Surprised Me On The Vaccine
• When Your Dad Supports The Vaccine And Your Mom Thinks It’s Dangerous
• For My Grandmother, It’s Like Polio All Over Again

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