The Coronavirus Vaccine
6June 16:30H Posted by James Ogle, MSW, LCSW
A vaccine was developed for COVID-19 in less than a year for a virus most people had never heard of 14 months ago. Whether or not you consider the coronavirus to be an actual health threat, this disease significantly disrupted the world. In December 2020, the first pharmaceutical company provided the world with hope stating they had successfully developed a vaccine for COVID-19. However, as the vaccine is currently being administered, some people are asking themselves if the vaccine is safe. There are many different messages and opinions regarding the coronavirus vaccine. In addition, pharmaceutical companies have stated there are still unknowns about the current vaccines. It is certainly understandable that anyone would want to be cautious.
When I talk with clients about the decision on whether or not to get the vaccine, I ask individuals to become informed readers. As a society, we have come to expect the news, media, and social media to provide us with definitive facts and to tell us what to do. In reality, we live in a gray world and no facts are definitive. I encourage clients to review multiple trusted sources regarding the vaccines. When I encourage a client to become more informed, I ask them to read trusted sources that cite both the positives and negatives of the vaccine. Then, I ask the client to think critically and develop their own informed opinion.
Once a client has developed an informed opinion, I help individuals develop a pros and cons list for taking the vaccine. In addition, I ask them to consider both short-term and long-term outcomes of taking the vaccine. Finally, I ask clients to process their feelings about taking and not taking the vaccine. It is true that there are a lot of unknowns about this virus and the vaccines. Through this process, I have found individuals often feel more confident about their decision regardless of if they take or do not take the vaccine.
James Ogle, MSW, LCSW
Jim Ogle, MSW, LCSW
Jim is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who earned his Master’s degree in Social Work from Boston College. Having grown up in the North Shore area, Jim brings a familiarity of the community to the practice. He has been with Attention to Wellness for over a year and has over 16 years’ experience working with both adolescents and adults.
Jim has provided treatment in a variety of clinical settings to adolescents, adults, and families experiencing depression, anxiety, conduct issues, and other mood disorders. He brings six years’ experience working in court systems with youth on probation who were at risk of being removed from their home, and their families. Jim also brings experience providing anger management and drug counseling groups within multiple schools. Currently, Jim also works at a high school providing social work services to students who have an Individualized Education Program.
Jim’s approach with both adolescents and adults incorporates techniques from strengths-based, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (CBT/DBT), Motivational Interviewing, and Structural Family Therapy to help clients identify and eliminate barriers that inhibit them from achieving their goals.
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