I’m Tired of Being Judged for my COVID Views

I’m sure many of us in the chronic illness community can relate to what I’m about to say. It’s gotten to a point in the pandemic where everything is divided and people are getting frustrated. Me included.

As a chronically ill person, I personally am all for the vaccine. Give me the doses, give me that booster, sign me up. Because of this though, I’ve experienced some pushback and I’m quite honestly getting tired of it.

My views are my own

This pandemic has gone on for almost 2 years now. When we first heard of the vaccines earlier in 2021, I was ecstatic. I wanted that needle in my arm as fast as possible. I wanted it because I wanted to be able to go out and see friends again, to go out for dinners, and feel safer being in public.

Not everyone thinks the same way as me, and I realize that. I am stating my own opinions, so please don’t attack me for that.

I am on an immunosuppressive drug, Cosentyx. Because of this, I need to take extra caution when going out in public, or when seeing friends. I could get COVID worse than a healthy person, and I’ve realized that since the beginning of the pandemic.

I always wear a mask when I go out in public. I wash my hands and I use hand sanitizer. I do all of the safety precautions needed because I don’t want to get sick.

Earlier this year, I got a case of strep throat that threw me into the worst flare I think I’ve ever had. I was scared. My pain was at a 9/10 and I couldn't swallow my own saliva. It terrifies me to think about what COVID would do to my body and immune system, and I don’t want to know.

People want to control others

I realize that others have opposing views to mine. While I don’t agree, I know I probably can’t change their minds, so I usually don’t try. Other people feel differently though, and try to make me feel bad about my decisions.

I’ve gotten comparisons to segregation and comparisons to being judged for being disabled. I’ve heard some ridiculous arguments. Honestly, I’m tired.

No, choosing to be unvaccinated is not you being oppressed. You have a CHOICE. As do I.

I’ve chosen not to interact with people who aren’t vaccinated. I don’t want to be around them, so I won’t be. I don’t want to take any chances with my health, even though I have my booster shot. COVID can do worse things to an immunocompromised individual, and I don’t want to find that out.

My choices

As I said, I have chosen not to be around those who aren’t vaccinated. That is my choice. Why that bothers others is beyond me. Just as people have the choice to not get vaccinated, I have the choice not to interact with them for my own health and safety.