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Vaccine Talks: When Your Dad Supports The Vaccine And Your Mom Thinks It’s Dangerous
Selfie of Jenna Wilson and her father, Patrick Wilson. (Photo by Jenna Wilson)
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.
Jenna Wilson, Lakeside
My dad and I have a lot of differences, but we do agree on the vaccine being necessary to end the spread of COVID-19 and, most importantly, to stop deaths from happening. He is quick to point out he has friends who are doctors and from what they say, the COVID-19 vaccine is as safe as any other.
In contrast to my dad, my mom has been skeptical of the vaccine. She got sucked into believing conspiracy theories heavily promoted in right-wing circles. This was difficult to witness because I genuinely worried about what this misinformation could mean for her health in the future. And it was surprising to me she would believe some of the things she did, since she herself works in the medical field.
Thankfully, time has helped her see (not fully, but I’ll take what I can get) that the vaccine could be necessary and that it has benefits. My dad continues to be optimistic while waiting for his turn.
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 Mom Is A Teacher, But She Did Not Want To Be First To Get Vaccinated
- My Grandmother Surprised Me On The Vaccine
- For My Grandmother, It’s Like Polio All Over Again
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