Many Lancaster High School students said that they have a responsibility to get vaccinated. Their attitude is that the COVID-19 vaccine is just another required immunization for students in school. 

According to a national survey of youth-based at the University of Michigan, 75% of young adults and teenagers are unconditionally willing to get the vaccine or already have been vaccinated.

“I felt that it was my definite responsibility to get the vaccine, as kids my age are causing COVID-19 to spread,” said Sarah Garlinger, a sophomore at LHS.

“I feel that kids who are going out and partying in big groups can put other people at risk, or even themselves.” 

LHS junior, Sarah Comer agrees that teens like her have a responsibility to be vaccinated.

“I do feel it is my responsibility to get the vaccine, not only to protect myself, but to be a role model for young teens that chose not to get it,” she said.

Comer was vaccinated at Fairfield River Valley Medical Center and added that she was anxious for her life to return to normal after a year of restrictions.

“The main reason I got the vaccination was because the faster people get vaccinated the faster things go back to the way they were before COVID-19,” said Comer. “We can have larger groups, fewer masks, and the ability to see loved ones in the hospital again.”

Comer is in the marching band at LHS and she said the COVID-19 virus had a huge impact on the band’s season.

“My entire marching band season got majorly reduced,” said Comer. “We did not even have competitions or go to any away football games.”

Some people argue that they are skeptical of the vaccines because they have not been tested over a long period of time. 

But this did not deter Garlinger. She was vaccinated at a local Walgreens in Lancaster.  Although she suffered mild side effects, she said it was worth it to help others.

“It helps protect yourself and family members who may be at risk, and trusting science is the best thing you can do,” said Garlinger.

“Credible testing was done with the vaccine before it was administered,” she said.

Sarah Mullins, a junior at LHS, received her vaccine at the River Valley Mall in Lancaster and says vaccination for everyone is a huge step to getting back to normal.

“I feel the only way possible for the world to go back to normal is protecting ourselves and each other from the virus by getting the vaccine,” said Mullins. 

Mullins was unable to visit their family during the quarantine period imposed by COVID-19.

“An important event that got put on hold was seeing my great-grandpa,” said Mullins. “I could not see him for almost seven months, I was so grateful to receive the vaccine to go visit him, and make sure it is a safe environment for his protection.”