I Changed My Mind for Myself, My Shipmates, and My Family
30 April 2021
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. -- If you are wary, maybe even afraid, of the COVID 19 vaccine, or skeptical about its effectiveness; you are not alone.
Some Sailors assigned to Navy Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC) had smiliar concerns and feelings when offered the vaccine for the first time.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, getting vaccinated has several key benefits including protecting yourself and others from getting sick. The vaccine is safe and will protect against the severe illnesses of the coronavirus.
Even though these NECC Sailors initially turned down the vaccine; they took the time to learn more about the vaccine and consider everything. They changed their minds; to portect themselves, their shipmates, and their families. You can too.
“I felt that it came out too soon.” Said Yeoman Petty officer 1
st Class Lucy Ventura. “I thought that there needed to be more research.”
For Ventura the COVID fight has been personal. Her mother passed away from COVID complications in 2020. Even though she had concerns, getting vaccinated became a matter of protecting the rest of her family.
“I lost my mother last year to COVID.” Said Ventura. “It happened very quickly and I lost precious time with her. I’m from Queens, N.Y., and they were hit really hard by COVID. For me it was about keeping my family safe. I have four siblings and my dad who I just want to keep safe. Not being able to travel home to see them was also very hard.”
After receving the vaccine Ventura felt safe and reassured that she would be helping keep her family safe from COVID.
Senior Chief Yeoman YNCS Lisa Zimmerman, recently recovered from COVID-19. She was hospitalized for three days with complications from the virus. Even after that fight, she was doubtful about the vaccine.
When Zimmerman saw NECC leadership roll up their sleeves and get vaccinated, Zimmerman changed her mind. She received her first round of the Pfizer vaccination and is scheduled to receive her second shot later this month. She encouraged her shipmates and coworkers to do the same to help those around her not get sick.
“I am still working through symptoms from my initial illness, which serves as a sobering reminder that none of us are immune from this virus; each of us plays a role in protecting ourselves and the community,” said Zimmerman. “I do not regret my decision to be vaccinated; I feel my command is contributing to maximum operational readiness while mitigating COVID-19 spread.”
Yeoman 1
st Class Petty Officer Jacob R. Evans first saw the vaccine as something that would not affect him because he did not fit into any of the demographics at risk for a severe case of COVID19.
“I did not agree with the vaccination (at first) because my age category showed the probability of me getting sick or suffering servere illness was low when compared to someone who is elderly or has underlying health conditions,” said Evans.
When Evans discovered he was about to become a father for the first time, he changed his mind. To protect his growing family.
“I got the vaccine because I am stationed here in Virginia,” said Evans, “and I plan to visit with my baby’s mother, who is in Mississippi, during the pregnancy and hopefully be there for delivery.”
Evans is now fully vaccinated and excitedly aniticipating the arrival of his new baby boy early this Fall.
“Just because you decline vaccination does not mean you cannot change your mind.” said Capt. Anthony Tucker, M.D., NECC Force Surgeon. “In fact, as more and more facts and positive vaccination data emerges we hope that everyone will seek out vaccination.”
“While vaccination is a personal decision for all of us,” said Tucker, "my personal view is that vaccination is less about the person and more about the collective; our loved ones, our ship mates, our mission to protect and defend the country. Vaccination increases our ability as individuals and as a team to execute our duties as sailors, government employees and contractors. It also protects our teammates, loved ones and fellow citizens as best we can from infection and potential disability and death. As a doctor and a naval officer I believe vaccination is part and parcel to both oaths that I hold dearly; the Hippocratic Oath and my Oath of Office as a commissioned officer.”
For the most up to date information about receiving the vaccine contact your command medical department and/or access your local Military Treatment Facility’s website. Another, easy way to for individuals to get vaccinated right now is to sign up for an appointment via the DHA Appointment Portal (DAP) at
https://informatics-stage.health.mil/COVAX/.