Getting vaccinated is our opportunity to beat down this pandemic. We know that those who are not vaccinated are at risk of contracting, spreading it to others, being hospitalized and even dying. These vaccines are safe and well-studied, and the benefit of vaccination far outweighs any potential risk from very rare vaccine side effects.

I've done a lot of research, and all the science tells us that if you get COVID-19 and you were fully vaccinated, you reduce your chances of getting sick enough to go into the hospitals; you reduce your chances of going into the ICU; and, you reduce your chances of being put on the vent and possibly dying. Please, get vaccinated for yourself and for those who care about you.

For those still on the fence, I want to encourage you to get vaccinated. Millions have taken that step like I have and are doing fine. By getting vaccinated, you are also helping keep our hospitals and healthcare workers from becoming overwhelmed with patients. There is a peace of mind that comes with knowing you've done your part.

We know the COVID-19 vaccines are effective at minimizing the risk of severe disease, hospitalization and death. I trust the science. Let's end this pandemic.

It is hard to overstate the importance of vaccines in our fight against COVID. People who are vaccinated have a lower risk of infection and a lower risk of hospitalization and death if they do get infected. Getting vaccinated is something that you can do to protect yourself and your community.

Coronavirus in children is less severe [in symptoms], but we are seeing more kids with post-acute covid syndrome. Many children who have COVID go on to suffer from chronic fatigue, shortness of breath and tachycardia (high heart rate). These things are preventable and we encourage all kids (age-eligible) to be vaccinated.

My own personal health situation made me want to ask the questions about whether it made sense to get the vaccine. I have great trust in my health care providers – both here at the Cancer Center and at the Mayo Clinic – so I asked all of the questions. I also have people that I'm surrounded by that I wanted to protect. So I did that. I asked the questions and then I made it a priority to get the vaccine.

I got my vaccine for my child, for myself, for my family and for my community. As a good neighbor and good citizens – it's important for everyone to take this step. It's going to take all of us to make sure we're safe as a community.

I lost someone in my family early-on to COVID-19. So, when it came time for me to be able to get it. I did. It was mine and my family's way to pay tribute to him, but also to protect my loved ones and my friends. As a student leader, it was also my way of leading from the front and helping our campus get back to being social, having classes in-person and more.

For me – getting the vaccine was an important step in protecting me and my loved ones from COVID-19. To make that decision, I leaned on my doctor because he's the one who went to medical school and understands the science behind infectious diseases and medical intervention. I have to trust the professionals who I trust with my life – in all situations. This one was no different.