As of this week, anyone 12 and up can now get the COVID vaccine in South Carolina. While the CDC and President are pushing for everyone to get it, students and their parents at Socastee seem to have mixed emotions about it.

The CDC  gave final approval for 12-15 year olds to receive the Pfizer vaccine Tuesday, and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control immediately notified all of the state’s vaccine providers. 

A parental waiver is required for 12-15-year olds, but it is not required for 16-17 year olds, who have been able to get the vaccine in SC since March 31.  DHEC is trying to find more places to get the vaccine out, even thinking about opening clinics at schools.  

The president Wednesday spoke out on the vaccine being approved by CDC to be released to 12- 15 year olds.

“[Its] one more giant step in our fight against the pandemic,” he said, “so my hope is that parents will take advantage of the vaccine and get their kids vaccinated.” 

Freshman Michelle Stogsdill said she wants to get the vaccine.

“It will help lower the risk of me getting COVID and spreading it to other people,” she said

But her parents will not let her get it. 

“They are scared of the side effects that can occur,” she said. “They also do not believe that the vaccine will be effective.”

Jessica LeCours is the opposite. She is not sure she wants to get the vaccine, but her parents are telling her she should. 

 “I am not sure if I want to get it yet because I am scared of the long term effects,” she said

Freshman Lisbeth Montes wants the vaccine and believes her parents will let her get it because they are vaccinated themselves.

“It is one step closer to our old lives,” she said. 

But she still has some concerns.

“I am worried with the long-term side effects because we really don’t know what this vaccine could do to us,” she said. 

Some  upperclassmen have already gotten the vaccine. Senior Dorian Veliky received her second dose of the vaccine May 4 and said it was a positive experience.

“I had a little bit of soreness in my arm, but I was fine after.”

Senior Charity Hillegas said she had an enjoyable visit to get her vaccine. 

“Getting my first dose was actually fun,” she said. “My nurse was super sweet and gave me some book recommendations.”