Young adults choose to get vaccinated – hopeful for visits with extended family & friends

On May 13, 12 to 15-year-olds became eligible to receive the Pfizer vaccine.

“I was just hoping they would come for us soon, because, what about us? We’re here as well,” said Taravella ,during an interview with his dad, Tim. He was referring to his age group of youths ages 12 and up. He’s hopeful the vaccine will allow for a return to school full-time in the fall. But first, he’s made plans to go to camp and to visit his grandparents. 

“It is in Texas, and I get to see some of my family as well. So, it will be safer to see my grandparents and they’ve gotten the shot as well,” Max said.

He continued: “I think it’s just good to get the shot because then you can remove some of that fear.” 

Max’s parents were eligible for vaccinations in late February and early March. They had researched and felt comfortable, even encouraged, that their teenagers—Max and his older brother, Zach—were excited to get the vaccine, too. They just needed the federal go-ahead. 

“Allison, my wife and I both got Moderna [vaccine]. So, we’re a house divided,” Tim laughed. “Moderna for the elders. Pfizer for the youngers."

Like so many families across Colorado, the past year has been a mix of remote learning and flexibility. Always, there was a lurking concern: Were they being safe enough? Were their children getting the best education during their important high school years? 

“Our son [Zach] graduated from high school and was only in [classroom] for one semester. Max started high school and was only in for a semester. There was a lot of remote learning and having to become incredibly flexible to make sure they had everything they needed to get their [school] work done,” Tim explained. 

The father-son team headed to a vaccine provider in Aurora together — Dad documenting the occasion with his cell phone. Cheers were shared once the first dose was complete.

“It was the least painful shot I’ve ever had compared to every other shot,” Max said after the fact. Even behind a mask, it was clear, his eyes were smiling. 

The Taravella family has been relatively symptom-free throughout the vaccine process. A family member who is a pediatrician shared some advice. “They said drink a lot of Gatorade before and stay super hydrated. And, so we did that,” Tim explained, adding that the first shot did leave their arms a little sore. “Three of us did feel like we got punched by Thor in the forearm.” 

That’s the only symptoms they experienced.

Max and Tim wanted to share their voices in hopes of adding to the growing conversations surrounding vaccinations. For them, there is a new sense of optimism. 

“While we may have some challenges with all of this nationwide, I think the average person is going to realize, ‘Oh if I do this it'll be better for everybody,’” he added, acknowledging some of the recent mask news but emphasizing an overall positive feeling.  

“I just wanted other people to see that it was okay to get it,” said Max.

Jennifer Castor is the Executive Producer of Multimedia Content at Rocky Mountain PBS. You can contact her at jennifercastor@rmpbs.org.