Bonnie Cosner, senior research project coordinator at the School of Medicine, highlights the importance of getting the vaccine, especially for those who are older and have health risks.
Bonnie Cosner, senior research project coordinator at the University of Maryland School of Medicine, says, “Not getting vaccinated is turning a blind eye to the damage this pandemic has caused in our society."
She explains that she has health risks and was recently vaccinated with the COVID-19 vaccine to protect herself and other family members.
"I'm over 65 and my husband is almost 70. I have asthma and my husband has COPD [from years of asbestos exposure while working for Bethlehem Steel in Maryland],” she said.
The vaccine also will protect others in her family and her circle of friends. “We have a son and daughter who are both married and between them they have gifted us with three granddaughters. We also have friends who are significantly older than we are, and getting a vaccination means that we can help stop the spread of the virus and will be able to resume visiting our family and friends. It's the responsible thing to do.”
Highlighting the gravity of the pandemic, she urged others to get the COVID-19 vaccine. “Even one dead from the virus is too many," Cosner said.
Share Your Experience
Why did you decide to get the COVID-19 vaccine? Why should others get it? These are questions on the minds of many now that vaccines are available to help end the coronavirus pandemic.
The University of Maryland, Baltimore (UMB) Vaccination Clinic is open to serve the UMB community and select partners to Get The Vaccine. The UMB Vaccination Clinic, open to those 16 and older, is able to provide vaccinations for the Native American population, tribal or Native American agency employees, and Baltimore City residents, workers and students. Learn more at GetTheVaccineBaltimore.org. Individuals under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Over the next few months, we will be highlighting members of the community and their vaccination experience. Share your experience getting vaccinated by tagging us @umbaltimore and using #UMBVaccinesWork on Twitter or Instagram. Include why you got the vaccine. You can also submit your photos and comments about your vaccine experience, by clicking here.