With the Covid-19 vaccine being distributed to those who need it the most right now, there it is not clear when it will become available to a majority of the Glenbrook community. Students at South have found themselves either eager to jump at the first opportunity they get to receive the vaccine or are choosing to opt-out of receiving it.

Sophomore Nathaniel Betts says he is excited there is a vaccine, although it is rolling out slower than he expected. He plans on getting the vaccine as soon as it is available to him in hopes of reducing his risk of getting and spreading the virus.

“I feel that is coming slowly, but that should be as expected,” Betts said. “There’s a lot of pressure on the government and distributors, so many people want it all at once. I support the decisions to let the elderly and essential workers receive it first.”

Sophomore Drew Weiss said that he does not plan on receiving the vaccine as of now. Weiss respects those who are choosing to take it as he understands it is a personal choice but explains that there is not enough information out on kids receiving the vaccine for him to get it. He is not against vaccines but wants further research on the long-term effects this vaccine may have on youth.

“Early on I was isolated,” Weiss said. “However, it became clear that Covid-19 isn’t going away soon and we need to learn how to live with it. While I respect people’s decisions to stay home, I think that with the proper precautions, we can live our lives.”

Similarly to Weiss, senior Gabby Priovolos said that she may not get the vaccine. She said it would be unfair if the school required the vaccine going into the 2021-2022 school year.

“Vaccines have been a choice for years [for] religious reasons and medical exemptions,” Priovolos said. “This should be no different and if it is, the school will face backlash.”

“There’s studies being worked on regarding the vaccination of youth,” Pritzker said. “Pfizer is [ approved for] 16 and up, and Moderna is [for] 18 and up.” 

Pritzker plans on receiving the vaccine as soon as it becomes available to her, which is sooner than many students. 

“I’m a believer in vaccination and when a pandemic has taken the lives of 400,000 Americans and I’m offered a way to protect my family, I’ll take that in a heartbeat.” Pritzker said.