Like many parents across the globe, the past year has been one of the most challenging I have ever faced. As a solo parent to a child with a compromised immune system, the anxiety and fear stemming from being distanced from my usual support network while striving to keep my child safe have been overwhelming.
I have been plagued by two major fears during this time: the worry that my child might contract an illness and that her fragile health wouldn’t allow her to combat COVID-19 effectively. The second fear—that I might become ill, end up hospitalized, or worse—leaving my child alone—has haunted me.
In the past, I’ve had a wonderful support system of friends and family. In fact, when I prepared my will, I couldn’t choose just one potential guardian for my child; I selected several, trusting them to figure out the best fit for her care should the need arise. However, with the current circumstances, I found myself questioning what would happen if I were hospitalized due to COVID-19. My friends also have young children to protect, so would my child end up in some impersonal medical facility, isolated from me and frightened? The thought of that scenario was just as terrifying as the possibility of her becoming sick.
So, when I had the opportunity to receive my vaccine ahead of my scheduled time, I jumped at the chance. My child is Indigenous, and the Indian Health Services (IHS) had their own allocation of vaccines. Thanks to their effective management, Alaska has seen a higher vaccination rate per capita than any other state.
In late January, after all eligible IHS members had been vaccinated, our local Native hospital opened the vaccination program to non-Native family members living with IHS members. I was fortunate to be at the doctor’s office with my daughter the day after this decision was made. I quickly registered for an appointment and secured a slot within hours.
It’s essential to clarify that I wasn’t skipping the line; IHS was distributing its vaccines as they deemed appropriate. The medical team supporting my daughter strongly encouraged me to take this opportunity to get vaccinated, as it would further protect her.
When I arrived for my vaccination, I was struck by the number of people there who, like me, were receiving their vaccines much sooner than anticipated. The atmosphere was filled with excitement. A young girl behind me expressed her enthusiasm, and soon we found ourselves dancing and singing about the vaccines. While we waited in a spacious room, about 20 of us shared our gratitude with IHS for this opportunity. Many had loved ones they were eager to protect, and we all felt a sense of relief.
Seated there, I could see a line of about 20 more people outside, and I realized I was surrounded by others who believed in science and the importance of taking proactive measures to safeguard our communities. After a year of encountering science skeptics and those who regarded mask-wearing as a burden, this realization was one of the most uplifting experiences I’ve had in a long time. These were my people.
Now that I’m fully vaccinated, along with approximately one in four eligible adults in my state, I feel an undeniable sense of relief. A bright future is on the horizon, with a return to normalcy in sight and a community that values science and the wellbeing of others. Even though those in opposition have often been louder than we would like, I find hope in the collective efforts of those around me.
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In summary, receiving my COVID-19 vaccine as a single mom brought me immense hope, providing a renewed sense of security for both me and my child. The experience highlighted the importance of community support and scientific trust during challenging times.