Months ago, I participated in an early trial of the COVID-19 vaccine.

I could not be sure if I received the vaccine or a placebo, and it was not yet determined how effective the vaccine — still in development — would be. So I continued to take precautions as I treated a growing number of COVID-19 patients.

I wore my N95 mask, my face shield, my gown and gloves as I tended to patients who could not have visitors, who struggled with complications from the virus and whose only connections to their loved ones was through messaging apps like FaceTime.

But I’m deeply concerned for my patients, and I know one of the best ways to prevent infection is through vaccination, so I rolled up my sleeve and took the shots.

Now that the vaccines have passed FDA emergency use authorization (EUA), you should, too.

Protect Yourself

No medical intervention is without risk. Even over-the-counter medications and herbal remedies can cause side-effects.

We give our children medications to break their fevers or clear their congestion. We take medicine to relieve our headaches or stop the pain in our joints.

The COVID-19 vaccines, while new, were developed so quickly because they’re based on current and existing science. We know how to safely produce vaccines now better than we did years ago.

You’ve likely received vaccines since you were a child. They’ve protected you from many infectious diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, chickenpox, tetanus, diphtheria, hepatitis and more.

While no vaccine offers 100% immunity, they significantly reduce the likelihood that you’ll get sick — and if you do, they reduce the likelihood that you’d be sick enough to require hospitalization.

The COVID-19 vaccines now available have little risk of side effects — but they can protect your health and dramatically reduce the risk of becoming extremely ill from the virus.

Protect Your Loved Ones

You protect your children. You protect your parents.

You installed a security system to keep your family safe. You bought your mother a bracelet with a button she can press if she needs immediate help.

Getting vaccinated is another way we protect the people we love.

Reducing our risk of getting sick also reduces our loved ones’ risk of getting sick. It means our bodies are less likely to encounter infection and spread it.

I missed Thanksgiving with my parents this year. I want my kids to stay well. That’s why I wanted to get the COVID-19 vaccine and why I will continue to do whatever I must to keep my loved ones safe.

Protect Others

You cannot know who has been vaccinated and who has not.

Until the virus is no longer spreading within our community, it’s important to keep taking measures to keep each other safe. That means continuing to socially distance and wear your mask.

As access to the vaccine improves — and as more people take it — public health officials will continue to monitor viral spread and issue guidelines that will keep us safe as we leave our masks in the console and return to school, church, family reunions and more. Widespread vaccination will be essential to helping us return to normal.

Even after you receive the vaccine, it will take a little time to work, and you should get both doses before assuming immunity. Then continue to follow public health guidance from reliable sources.

The COVID-19 pandemic is unlike anything we’ve experienced as a nation, as a community and as healthcare professionals. Getting back to normal will take time — but with hope, patience and complying with reliable health advice, we’ll get there.