As COVID-19 surges, vaccines are becoming a more popular topic around the world, especially at La Quinta High School. 

On Friday, Oct. 1, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that COVID-19 vaccines will be added to the list of immunizations for in-person public and private schools in California. Although this won’t go into effect immediately, students’ opinions vary. 

Life Cook ‘25 said, “I just want this pandemic to end already. Get the vaccine!”

Cook says she took the vaccine when it was first available to her. She said that she felt it was the only thing that could protect her against the virus. Even though she feels safer with the vaccine, she still thinks that it is important to wear a mask for extra protection.

Alex Jacobo ‘23 said, “I got the vaccine because my parents made me.” 

“Do I feel safer? Not really, it’s whatever,” said Jacobo.

On the other hand, Menil Segundo Reyes ‘25 said, ”I believe in spiritual healing rather than using medicine or taking a vaccine. I just don’t trust it.”

Due to her religion, she will not be taking the vaccine. That’s what Reyes and her family have decided. If vaccines are mandated to continue going to public schools, Reyes will not continue going to in-person school, but instead, get homeschooled.

Although she refuses to take the vaccine due to her religion, Reyes doesn’t know if she would file for a religious exemption if the mandate is required for school.

Liliana Valdovinos ‘25 said, “I was scared and didn’t want to get sick.” 

Valdovinos got the vaccine back in June 2021. After getting the first dose, she experienced a headache, but she said it was worth it because it would keep her in good health.

“It was like my head was being pounded against a wall out of nowhere sometimes. I also was really dizzy and it felt weird to walk,” said Valdovinos.

Although she thinks taking the vaccine is a good idea to protect yourself, she doesn’t encourage more people to get it because she thinks that it’s their personal choice on whether they want to get vaccinated or not. She doesn’t want to influence someone’s personal decision, even though she describes taking the vaccine as “a good decision.”

Enrique Espinosa ‘23 said, “I got the vaccine because my mom made an appointment.”

Espinosa said he felt safer after getting both doses of the vaccine. He definitely encourages people to go out and take the vaccine. After getting vaccinated, he thinks that it is still important for masks to be worn indoors, but shouldn’t be necessary outdoors in open areas. 

Now that the CDC approved the vaccine for ages five and up, there has been a worldwide increase in vaccinations across the world. The CDC approved the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine for younger children on Tuesday, Nov. 2. Pediatricians are now able to vaccinate children ages 5-11.

Although many students have different opinions on this topic, the important thing is that everybody is safe and stays healthy through this pandemic. Nobody knows when it will all end, but what we can do is stay positive throughout the current circumstances across the world.