"My Why" By Brad Housman Md Chief Medical Officer

Why did you decide to receive the COVID-19 vaccine? Getting the vaccine was important to me for a number of reasons. As the chief medical officer and one of the leaders in the hospital, I think it was important for me to lead out in that effort. But personally, it was important for me to get the vaccine for the safety of myself, the safety of my family, and that of others in my community. Certainly getting the vaccine is an important step forward in dealing with COVID-19.

How did you feel after receiving the vaccine? Personally, I was surprised by the sense of relief I felt. Not having to be as concerned about others around me and the confidence it gave me to be in the community was an unforeseen and very welcome benefit of the receiving the vaccine.

What would you like to say to those are who hesitant to receive the vaccine? Certainly the decision to receive the vaccine is a personal choice, but we encourage everyone to discuss it with their primary care provider, to educate themselves on the benefits and risks with the vaccine, and to make an informed and educated decision.

What would you say to those who are worried about possible vaccine side effects? Thankfully, these are very minimal. The risks from the vaccine are extraordinarily rare. Please take the time to educate yourselves and discuss with your primary care providers if the vaccine is right for you and your family.

This interview was conducted in the summer of 2021, prior to organizational decisions regarding employee vaccination status and booster recommendations.