Whenever a new article about the COVID-19 vaccine appears on social media, I cautiously delve into the comments. Aside from the anti-vaccine sentiments and conspiracy theories, the most common remarks I encounter often express disbelief, like “it’s too early for this” or “I’ll let them experiment on the guinea pigs first.” This reaction is understandable; no vaccine has ever been created in such a short timeframe, and the topic has been politicized by our leaders. But those “guinea pigs” that people refer to? That’s me. I’m just a regular teacher involved in a vaccine trial, and here’s what I want you to know.
I’m not a hero.
When I share that I’m part of this trial, the usual response is either shock or a skeptical, “are you sure that’s safe?” People often label me as courageous, or thank me for my service as if I had fought on the front lines. The truth is, I’m a 40-year-old English teacher with young twins and a few minor health issues. Like everyone else, I’ve felt the weight of this pandemic and the longing for normalcy. After months of feeling powerless, volunteering for the trial seemed like a small step I could take toward helping find a solution.
I’m also a huge proponent of science. I advocate for climate action, mask-wearing, and timely vaccinations for my children. So when the opportunity to join the trial arose, I felt compelled to act. As a teacher who has invested in safety measures for my classroom, participating in this trial felt like a natural extension of my commitment to health and safety.
In the small online community of trial participants I’m part of, our stories are similar. We come from diverse backgrounds—doctors, bartenders, artists, and stay-at-home parents—but we share a common belief in science and a commitment to helping the world move past this crisis. There’s a sense of pride in knowing we’re part of medical history, but mostly, we all thought, if not me, then who?
The process is quite ordinary.
Before enrolling, I knew a bit about medical trials but had never considered why people chose to participate. I heard on a local radio station that a nearby hospital needed volunteers, so I contacted the site coordinator, and soon I was at the lab for my first injection.
While all trials have their own protocols, this one required proof of potential exposure to the virus. The data gathered wouldn’t hold value if participants were isolated at home. As a teacher returning to a hybrid model, I fit that criterion perfectly.
I received my first shot in early September and the second three weeks later. I still don’t know whether I got the actual vaccine or a placebo, and the staff at the testing site are equally in the dark. Over the next two years, I’ll return for blood draws and maintain a weekly journal. Although I receive compensation—enough to buy winter clothes for my kids without affecting our budget—my daily life continues as usual since I can’t determine if I received the vaccine or not.
I encourage you to consider getting vaccinated.
While I don’t possess insider knowledge just for being part of the trial, I am an educator who knows how to thoroughly research. Before I signed up, I explored credible sources, listened to vaccine experts like Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Paul Offit, and asked numerous questions of the medical staff at my testing site. As a mother, I would never take a step that might endanger my family.
I experienced no side effects from the first shot and only mild discomfort in my arm after the second. It’s possible I received the placebo, or I might have had a slight reaction. Some trial participants report feeling flu-like symptoms for a few days, but it’s nothing compared to the effects of COVID-19.
Although no vaccine has been developed in under four years before, this accelerated timeline doesn’t equate to a lack of safety. Vaccine developers certainly don’t want to release something that causes more issues than it resolves. Current data suggests that the vaccine is quite safe while COVID-19 remains a significant threat, taking countless lives and potentially causing long-term health issues. A vaccine won’t instantly restore our pre-pandemic lives, but it’s our best defense for protecting ourselves and our loved ones. If I can do it, you can too.
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Summary:
A teacher shares her experience participating in a COVID-19 vaccine trial, emphasizing her belief in science and community responsibility. Despite common misconceptions about bravery, she highlights the ordinary nature of the trial process and encourages others to consider vaccination for safety against the pandemic.