Andrew Rhoden
Fixed Wing Chief Pilot
Mercy Flights
Our Mercy Flights first-responders have been working hard throughout the pandemic to keep our communities safe and healthy. As front-line, essential workers, they are also at increased risk of getting COVID-19 and spreading it to others. Here’s what our Fixed Wing Chief Pilot, Andrew Rhoden had to say about his choice to get vaccinated.
Why did you choose to get the COVID-19 vaccine?
I chose to get the COVID-19 vaccine to be better protected for myself, my family, my co-workers, our MFI customers, and our community. I feel even though I myself may not be in a high-risk category with comorbidities; there are many opportunities for this virus to be transmitted and I would not like to contribute to infecting someone who is at a higher risk of a more negative outcome; especially when there is a vaccination available. Vaccination has historically proved an effective tool to combat many different types of viruses.
What was is like to get vaccinated? (Did it hurt? Did you experience side effects and if so, can you describe them?)
I feel the COVID-19 Vaccine was similar to the flu shot. The immediate area where the shot was administered was mildly sore, but not bad at all. I did seem a bit tired the next couple days, however I couldn’t be sure this was related to the vaccine, and it was minimal as well.
What would you say to others who might be concerned about getting vaccine?
I would encourage them to watch the following you tube videos:
- Recently shared by EMS World: Kenneth A. Scheppke, MD FAEMS, State Medical Director, Florida Department of Health: COVID-19 Vaccinations: https://youtu.be/6curhzVwo9U
- JAMA Network Coronavirus Vaccines – An Introduction: https://youtu.be/KMc3vL_MIeo
These videos are very informative.
Also, there is lots of factual vaccine data on the CDC website.
