Duke Radiation Oncology team members have gotten the COVID-19 vaccine for various reasons: to protect themselves; to protect more vulnerable members of our community, including cancer patients; to encourage community safety; to be able to see loved ones in person; and more.
Thank you to our Department members who are sharing more about “why I got the shot.”
Nicole Larrier, MD, MSc
Associate Professor of Radiation Oncology
Earlier this month, I was in my usual clinic at Maria Parham Hospital. As has become my habit over the last year, I asked a patient how he and his family have been doing over the last year, the implied question being – how have you fared with COVID-19. He replied that one of his family members had died and two others had been hospitalized with grave prognoses. He had not been able to attend the funeral or visit his family members in the hospital.
Subsequently, we went on to discuss the particulars of his diagnosis and the relevant test results. Condolences were expressed and follow up plans made. As I rose to exit the room, my path crossed in front of him, and our eyes connected. He reached out and hugged me tightly. I hugged him back. When he pulled away, he simply said “I needed that.”
This encounter happened weeks after my second COVID-19 vaccine. Yes, I was wearing my PPE (mask and eyewear) and yes, we respected physical distancing for most of the encounter.
However, knowing that I was vaccinated allowed me to embrace this interaction. It occurred to me that this patient had not been able to mourn the death of his loved one or express the concern for his family members in a physical manner with anyone (including his family). That morning, knowing that I was vaccinated allowed me to provide a healing touch to someone in need.
Tykeytra Dale, BSN, MS
CRNC II
I got vaccinated for my grandmother (pictured, left). With the rise in COVID-19 cases, I was extremely concerned about my grandmother who lives with me and is within the high-risk category. I got vaccinated to keep her safe.
Yvonne Mowery, MD, PhD
Butler Harris Assistant Professor in Radiation Oncology
I was ecstatic to receive my first shot of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine on Christmas Eve – I could not imagine a better present! I opted to receive the vaccine to help protect my patients, family, friends, colleagues and myself. I am grateful to the scientists, nurses, physicians, clinical trial volunteers and many others who facilitated this scientific breakthrough and extensive safety testing . . . with the vaccine comes HOPE!
Randy Grimes, MA
Divisional Business Manager – Physics
Working in administration, I had already anticipated being toward the end of the eligibility line based on the guidelines so I was really looking forward for “my turn” to come. I spent many years in a Duke vaccine research environment and had already seen the value of vaccines on the health and safety of my family, friends and co-workers. I also wanted to do my part so we could all get back to some normal life activities, albeit a modified normal.
Bette Clack
Staff Assistant
I got the vaccine to keep my family safe, me safe and to hopefully help keep others safe so that we can get a grip on this thing and stop losing lives to it. It’s simple to me: If you don’t care about yourself, care about your fellow man. I promise you, wearing a mask and getting the shot(s) is a lot less intrusive than a ventilator.
Rhonda May, (R)(T), RTT, CMD
Dosimetrist
I was very excited to receive my COVID-19 vaccine. I felt like this was the beginning to the end, and that we were finally heading in the right direction. After watching news reports and seeing people in extreme long lines hoping for a vaccine, I felt very grateful and blessed that I was able to receive one here at Duke so smoothly.
Jennifer Clark, BS, RT(R)(T)
Radiation Therapist
I received the vaccine to help in stopping the spreading of COVID-19 – and wanting to feel like I somehow participated in making a difference.
All faculty and staff who have not already scheduled an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccine should consider doing so to help protect yourself, your loved ones and our community. There is continued documentation of positive cases among unvaccinated Duke employees.
Please keep in mind that our team members are not required to reveal their personal vaccination status, or the vaccination status of another team member, if a patient asks. Duke has published a few suggested responses to use as a reference if a patient asks about vaccination status or the vaccination status of a colleague.