5 Stages of Getting Vaccinated

The current efforts of nationwide vaccination against Covid-19 is the entire buzz. Many people are getting vaccinated and expressing relief. So it got me thinking how these people with so many diverse opinions are deciding to get vaccinated. The result? This article, which follows a fictional character through five stages of his vaccination journey.

Denial

At this stage, our fictional person would disbelieve the vaccine to be real or effective. He would go through all the unverified posts on social media about how this is a "plot" or "scam". He would believe every other speculation about the vaccine, of it being fake or having side effects that can only occur in science fiction. But what he won't do is check the sources of these news pieces or try to listen to actual experts talking about it.

Scepticism

In the second stage, he would start to shift his viewpoint with the increasing social media posts debunking the rumors about the vaccine. He thinks "So maybe it's real, but then again I will never be able to get it. I will need to know someone high up to get on the vaccine list. Which I don't, so why bother trying?"

"Omuk" took the vaccine

Now he would start to learn about people from his immediate and not so immediate circles getting vaccinated. He sees them putting statuses and posting pictures about it. Now he is going to experience some serious FOMO. At first, it will be one or two people. But gradually the circle will start to close in. Then he would start getting phone calls from these people saying they took the vaccine and ask why he hasn't done so yet. He will not have a good response.

It actually is easy

Now he is in the stage where he wishes he could get the vaccine but won't admit it. He starts inquiring about how to register for the vaccine. He also asks around about side effects from the people who already took the vaccine. He still has some of his initial scepticism but decides to give it a go. He attempts registration but is determined to give up if it seems too much work. But to his surprise, it's very easy and takes so little time to register.

The vaccine selfie

The day finally comes, he arrives at the vaccination centre. He is excited but also a little nervous. Will it hurt? Will he be able to hold his composure? Finally, his turn comes. He goes up to the nurse, sits down, and braces himself. The nurse proceeds with the injection, but then he remembers the most important part. The photo! He asks her to wait, takes out his mobile, and gives it to someone nearby to take a photo. Now he makes what he considers a brave face. The camera clicks away and our fictional character finally gets his vaccine.

Now he can also put vaccine photos on social media.

Nafisa Nowshin is a computer science graduate from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology. She can be reached at nafisanowshin.13@gmail.com