Recently, a new vaccine for Coronavirus has been released for a select group of people. Mainly, the first wave of the vaccine is being offered to those who work in healthcare, essential workers, and the elderly. Some Tallmadge locals have been offered the opportunity to receive the vaccine. One person in particular is Tallmadge High School teacher Tammie Habbyshaw.

“I work part time at Anna Maria Nursing home in Aurora, so residents and staff were the first to get the vaccine. I think the first wave of vaccines were sent to nursing homes and assisted living locations. We are tested weekly for Covid, and I have not had it yet,” Habbyshaw said. 

Habbyshaw explained that she would have waited to get the vaccine, but since she works alongside elderly people it would be best for her to get the vaccine when offered. She explained that she has not had any side effects from the first dose of the vaccine. She has recently gotten the second dose.

“ I just felt in this case, it was the right thing to do for others, not necessarily myself. I work with students who have compromised immune systems. I haven’t been able to spend time with my parents, who are older, and I’m working around seniors at the nursing home,” Habbyshaw said.

Now that the vaccine is out, it is possible that this situation will grow closer to safety. However, the government still suggests that keeping social distancing is important for everyone’s safety.

“I don’t want to tell other people what they should do with their health, but I don’t see any other way that we are going to get back to ‘normal’, whatever that is, until the majority of our country is vaccinated. I miss seeing students enjoying school life-games, pep assemblies, Homecoming/Prom, etc,” Habbyshaw said. “I miss seeing my own kids play sports and spend time with friends. I am trying to stay positive. We are all lucky to have the amenities we do to still enjoy life, unlike many other countries facing lock downs and quarantine and illness. But, I don’t think herd immunity is working. We’ve been quarantined for so long, so I am hoping we can turn things around with people getting vaccinated.”