Monica Smith | staff writer

The state opened up vaccine eligibility for all Texans on March 29 which means now even students can get in line.

Junior Ava Cadena is one of the high school students who was able to get the vaccination. 

“My stepdad’s cousin works at the vaccine place we went to and after my uncle passed away from the virus we all took Covid very seriously,” Cadena said.  “Since me and my mom have autoimmune disorders we qualified to get ours…”

From personal experience, Cadena learned that downplaying the disease is a costly mistake that should be avoided. 

“If anything I think it should be noted that someone young and healthy passed away from it — even without an underlying condition,” Cadena said. 

Taking a trip to Brenham, Texas, Cadena was able to get her first dose of the vaccination in early February. Instead of getting the shot in a doctor’s office, clients were instructed to stay in their car to get the vaccine much like the process of drive-thru Covid testing.  

“Basically we drove up to these people and then they checked our ID and paperwork,” Cadena said. “And then we went up to people either in the military or EMS and they gave us our shots.” 

Despite the excitement about finally getting protection from the virus, the intimating process of getting the shot can be a bit overwhelming.  

“I was really nervous because every time I see a needle impaling me, I pass out,“ Cadena said. ”But I just felt like it, if I was standing I probably would’ve.”

According to Cadena, there is a drastic difference between the first dose of the vaccination and the second one. 

“The first dose I was fine, but the second dose I felt like I was dying,” Cadena said.  “I had a fever of about 102 and body aches for about 24 hours, then I felt fine the next day.”

But feeling sick wasn’t just the worst part of it. 

“The soreness was super bad. I was trying not to use my arm at all due to the pain so I took Tylenol every 6-8 hours,” Cadena said. 

Cadenas optimistic approach to staying safe during the pandemic is unfaltering despite any setbacks her way. 

“Even though you are vaccinated you can still get the virus and spread it to others who are not vaccinated and have a weaker immune system. Masks will help prevent the spread from unvaccinated people so maybe once everyone is vaccinated and the cases go down masks won’t be necessary,” Cadena said. “I would urge everyone to get vaccinated once others who are more susceptible get theirs.“