It's finally here. I am officially a couple of weeks out of becoming fully vaccinated with my coronavirus vaccine. For those who read my previous post, trying to obtain a vaccine as a person with a disability has been a long, difficult road.

You've heard me talk about all the issues those with disabilities were having to try to get a vaccine early on in the vaccination process. But unfortunately, the vaccination was virtually impossible to obtain in places across the country.

After successfully navigating the past year and trying to avoid exposure to the coronavirus, I was eager to try and get the vaccine as soon as possible because with my current health condition, contracting the coronavirus could prove fatal if I were to test positive for it.

Testing positive for COVID-19 weighed heavily on my mind over the past year as we dealt with quarantines and closures. So when I heard about the vaccine, I spent a lot of time trying to see if I could get a vaccine for myself.

But due to supply issues and state government procedures, those with disabilities were put towards the end of the line and had to wait our turn. Eventually, my time did come and I welcomed the opportunity with open arms, even if I had a little trouble lifting my arms on my own.

Now that I am fully vaccinated, I do feel more secure and confident that my chances of contracting COVID-19 are slim, but that does not mean I am fully comfortable being in public. I am very much still hesitant to be in large groups and spend little time in public places. But I feel it’s safe enough to venture out to places with appropriate safeguards and social distancing measures.

The vaccine is a signal that we are moving back towards normal, and we are now starting to return to public life. But we must still maintain caution and try to avoid any future outbreaks.

The vaccine has given me the insurance I need to help me fight against the possible chance of getting COVID-19, and I strongly urge those with compromised health conditions to get the vaccine as soon as possible.