COVID-19 vaccine: Let’s protect each other

September 21, 2021

In a recent Voice of Nursing blog, Tanya Hilliard MHA, MSN, RN, CPHON, shared why she decided to get the COVID-19 vaccine, and encourages everyone who is eligible to consider getting theirs too to protect themselves and each other.

Being a nurse and nurse leader during the pandemic has been a struggle – both physically, emotionally and mentally. I had many sleepless nights concerned about myself, my family, my nursing staff and the patients we care for at Texas Children’s. However, during this difficult time, I have learned to be creative, adaptable, and most of all, appreciative of the little things in life that we enjoyed doing before COVID-19 hit – like giving each other high-fives, eating lunch with colleagues, or having an in-person staff meeting. Adjusting to the new normal has been hard to say the least; however, all of us – you, me, our colleagues and the entire Texas Children’s system have been resilient during COVID-19.

Why did I get vaccinated?

When the day came for me to get my first COVID-19 vaccine, I had butterflies in my stomach but I knew I had to do the right thing for myself and get this vaccine. When I arrived at the Pavilion for Women, there was an overwhelming energy of joy and excitement. I knew most of the people working there so I forgot all about the nervousness. I was ready to protect myself against the unrelenting COVID-19 virus.

I didn’t have any side effects from the first vaccine except some soreness in my arm, which was no more than when I receive the flu vaccine. When I received my second shot, I was a little more nervous based on what I had been told about potentially having a few more side effects from it. To be honest, I had a couple of mild sweating episodes; however, no fever. One night I had mild chills with no fever. Aside from that, I was and still am trudging towards winning this battle against COVID-19. Protection is key.

Why is it important for our nurses to get vaccinated?

Everyone chose nursing as a profession for a reason. It is our duty to protect the human race no matter creed, color, or religion. We are in a pandemic and if receiving the vaccine is what I have to do to protect myself, our patients and their families, and my family and friends, then I am going to do just that.

I know many people are concerned about the side effects of the vaccine; however, every time there is an opportunity to receive the vaccine and someone waits, they are putting themselves at risk of potentially getting COVID-19. My advice is to stay away from what is on social media and other naysayers. I would highly encourage my colleagues to educate themselves and consider opting-in for the COVID-19 vaccine.

One thing that helped me in my decision to get vaccinated was leveraging Texas Children’s COVID-19 online resources that are readily available to all employees and staff. I would advise my nursing colleagues to take advantage of these resources so they can make an educated and informed decision.

I am ready to get back to normal. Like everyone else, I miss hugging my colleagues, I miss our staff celebrations, I miss being able to get in the elevator or pass someone and not have to act as though everyone has COVID-19. Texas Children’s mission and vision is to do what is right. That is why I will continue encouraging my colleagues and friends who are eligible to get the COVID-19 vaccine.

Take Action

Appointments are available at our Texas Children’s Community Outreach vaccination events. Please register as a patient when creating your MYChart profile.

SCHEDULE YOUR VACCINATION NOW