Getting COVID vaccination is an ‘act of charity’

Many of you may remember that I had COVID-19 in the early months of the pandemic. My symptoms were mild, including a high fever and loss of taste and smell, but I was able to quickly recover. My prayers remain with those who have died and those who are still struggling to recover.

Though I had already had COVID-19, on the advice of my doctor, I was able to receive the COVID vaccine and have completed both doses. Health officials have asked even those who have had COVID to consider the vaccine as there is evidence to say the body’s own immunity will not last as long as the immunity from the vaccine. 

I feel strongly that anyone in a position to receive the vaccine should seriously consider it, but I understand that receiving the vaccine is a matter of conscience. I will be joining other faith leaders in the community in a public service campaign produced by the City of New Orleans entitled “Sleeves Up, NOLA” that will encourage people to consider getting the vaccine. 

As I believe that the vaccine will help us to bring the pandemic under control and protect vulnerable populations, I view receiving the vaccine as an act of charity, but again, reiterate that this is a matter of conscience.

Allow me to share with you my experience from a personal perspective. 

I am over the age of 70, so I qualified as a vaccine recipient based on the criteria established by the federal and state medical authorities.

I was able to receive the Pfizer vaccine. Both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines have been reviewed and have been ethically approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops and the National Catholic Bioethics Center. We are currently awaiting reviews of other vaccines that may receive approval, and as soon as that information becomes available, I will share it with you.

I was amazed at how efficient the vaccination process was. For each dose, it only took a few minutes to sign in and actually receive the shot. After receiving both doses, the medical staff asked me to wait about 15 minutes to see if I had any reaction to the vaccination, which I had none. I have had no problems or issues with side-effects since receiving the vaccine, and compared with having COVID again, I would prefer the shot.

As a nation, we want to bring this pandemic under control and bring life back to normal. I, for one, long for the day when our churches can once again be full and social distancing and avoiding gatherings with family and friends are things of the past. The vaccines that have been produced have been shown to be safe and effective in creating immunity against COVID-19; thus, I believe this is a means to moving our nation forward in the fight against coronavirus. 

As we await more doses of vaccine to become available and more people have the opportunity to be vaccinated, I encourage everyone to strongly consider receiving the vaccines by consulting with your healthcare providers and educating yourself on the science behind the vaccine. If your conscience agrees, then please take the steps to be vaccinated when the time comes. 

Until then, please continue to wear a face covering, practice social distancing and wash your hands regularly to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Those three simple steps are an act of charity toward our neighbor. 

I ask you to lift up in prayer the fearless healthcare workers who have continued to treat patients with care and dignity despite the danger to their own health and well-being. Their selfless example has been an ultimate act of charity.

May God continue to protect us during this pandemic as he has promised to do. 

Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to [email protected].