Rev. Katie Jackson: 36, Ephrata, pastor at Bethany United Church of Christ in Ephrata.
Why I chose to get the vaccine: “I got the vaccine because I want to do all I can to protect my church members, friends and family, as well as other vulnerable folks. Also, I had COVID in February and I don’t want to get it again. It was awful! The aches and the fever and the chills and the nausea and the exhaustion. I had brain fog for a month.”
What I am looking forward to: “I am most looking forward to gathering safely with my church family. I started my position in September and there are many members I have not met face-to-face yet. I am also looking forward to being able to travel safely. I like to go to New York City for the day. I love to go to the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Museum of Modern Art. The Guggenheim is my favorite. I also have friends I haven’t seen since the pandemic began. I am eager to get together with them.”
What I would say to someone who has not yet gotten vaccinated: “Please get the vaccine. All of us want this to be over and getting vaccinated is a direct way to end the pandemic. The risks associated with getting COVID are much greater than the risk of getting the vaccine. The world has been given the technology to protect ourselves and we should utilize it, not only because of our best interest, but in the interest of others.”
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