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Vaccine Talks: When Will My Teen Brother, A Cancer Survivor, Be Protected? 

Anthony Luna. (Photo by Joshua Luna)

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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.

Helenkate Luna, South Central

My 15-year-old brother Anthony is a cancer survivor; he's been in remission about seven years.

We talked about how his life has changed because of COVID-19 and he pointed out that he has to be extra careful because he obviously has a weaker immune system than most.

He’s not sure when he's going to be able to receive the vaccine but feels that, as a student and a cancer survivor, he should be able to get vaccinated as soon as he has the opportunity. He hopes to return to school, but wants to feel safe doing so.

I wish it were easier to find a way to be able to get him vaccinated. I get frustrated when I think about how access to the vaccine is generally all over the place. The fact that people who are working from home are able to get the vaccine, yet my immunocompromised brother won't get his vaccine anytime soon is upsetting and genuinely makes me sad.

READ THE REST OF OUR 'VACCINE TALKS' SERIES:

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