Vol. LXXXXVIII Jonathan Dayton High School May 2021 May 2021 Edition EDITORIAL BOARD Brielle & Nicole Ramundo Ms. Rooney-Kuhn Sarah Zarember Editors in Chief Advisor Opinions Editor EDITORIAL BOARD OPINION This year has definitely been challenging for the students at Jonathan Dayton. The new virtual setting has impacted everyone’s lives and schedules, and it can be hard to find the light in this dark situation. Not being able to have the normal high school experience for almost two school years is something that the students at Dayton never imagined. However, despite the current circumstances, it is imperative that we remember to make the best out of this situation, and to continue to look forward to the improvements the future is sure to hold. Just because we are interacting with teachers and classmates through a computer screen does not mean new goals cannot be achieved and memories cannot be made. If we look to the bright side of this situation and remain calm, patient, and hopeful, we will be back through Dayton’s doors very soon. CONTRIBUTORS Anthony Bianchi Natalyah Cadiche Cassandra Cadillo Diana Elguera Victoria Perez-Palacios Adriana Rivera Sofia Sieminski THANK YOU FOR ALL OF YOUR HARD WORK! The Dawg Print News 4 GET VACCINATED, SPRINGFIELD! By: Diana Elguera, 2023 Author’s note: This article is a follow-up to the Fryhofer, MD have also reminded the public that all author’s previous article, “COVID-19 Vaccine Rollout in three vaccines (Pfizer, Moderna, and J&J) all “‘...far NJ: Smooth Cruise or Flat Tires?” from the February [exceed the] FDA’s 50% efficacy threshold.’” Severe 2021 issue of The Dawg Print. allergic reactions are accounted for as well. Each Normally, getting a jab to the arm every now vaccine manufacturer has an info sheet that describes and then is not considered a monumental moment in their vaccines’ specific ingredients, expressing that history. In the era of COVID-19, however, there are a users exercise precaution if a reaction-causing plethora of reasons to rejoice at the sight of millions ingredient is listed. The CDC also recommends that all of people lining up to get their Pfizer, Johnson and vaccine patients undergo a 15-minute waiting period Johnson, or Moderna shot. As stated previously, the in the case of a severe allergic reaction. The combined rapid creation of these vaccines offers us a smidge of research efforts and measures established from these hope of an immunized population - one that can build pharmaceutical companies demonstrate the care herd immunity and lessen COVID-19’s drastic troll on they took to produce safe vaccines for the country. our lives. That being said, it is understandable that One factor vaccine users are ecstatic about is people question whether the COVID-19 vaccines are the slow-but-steady transition to the pre-COVID legit. Having concerns over the vaccines is valid - no lifestyle. For high schoolers like us, that means one wants to be subjected to the unknown so hanging out with our friends, learning in a more suddenly. Rest assured, there are answers! effective environment than “Zoom school,” attending Addressing these concerns is an utmost priority to ceremonies and dances, hugging our elderly assure you, the reader, your family and friends, that relatives, and ensuring the safety of the people getting the COVID-19 vaccine is the right way to go. around us. We can extend that to healthcare facilities Foremost, are COVID-19 vaccines safe? This and small businesses, which have endured concern is not as one-dimensional as you may think; unprecedented levels of stress and uncertainty to not people of color have a history of being subjected to collapse. What will take us back to a more racist medical malpractice. As expressed by manageable level of life will be a decreased risk that sophomore Brielle Pierre Philippe, “... a lot of those any one of us can contract and transmit COVID-19. people [who worry about the vaccine] happen to be Fortunately, that seems to be the case; according to POC due to a history of medical racism and [a] general recent data from The New York Times, the current distrust of medics.” Furthermore, sophomore Srikar trend for cases and deaths in Union County is Nagabhushan points out that people may be downward! Our most recent low is from May 16, distrustful of some of the largest corporate where only six new cases have been reported. pharmaceutical companies in the country in charge of Sophomore Sophie Abramovitz is “eager” to get the current vaccine manufacturing. Making up these vaccine, and cites her hopes for what vaccination can companies are some of the most experienced, well- do: “It will be nice to contribute to decreasing our versed medical professionals equipped with the COVID rates, and [will hopefully] help us return to know-how on proper vaccine creation. Proof of their normalcy as soon as possible.” Another piece of expertise comes from the extensive vaccine trials recent news that supports the notion of “normalcy” is each company had to test their vaccines through. the announcement that all of NJ will be returning to According to Science magazine, vaccine trial in-person instruction models for the 2021-22 school participants for Moderna and Pfizer included over year. The statement made by Governor Murphy a 7,000 individuals over 65, over 5,000 individuals couple of hours ago gave me a shock - of joy! with chronic health conditions, and over 11,000 Remember folks - if you are under 18, you can get people from communities of color. Having a diverse vaccinated with the Pfizer jab and help contribute to pool of participants helped Moderna and Pfizer our eventual, full reopening! confirm that their vaccines worked effectively Is it a headache to get the vaccine? Senior Ava regardless of groupings. American Medical Bertolotti recounts some of the experiences other Association members Mira Irons, MD and Sandra vaccine takers have shared with her: “My The Dawg Print News 5 [vaccination] was quick and easy, but I’ve effects do exist, but they are also nothing much to be heard others had so much trouble [with] scheduling afraid about! It was easy to detect what was just my and lines.” The answer is no way - in fact, today it is body’s immune response to the vaccine by reading easier than ever! The NJ Vaccine Registration System the Pfizer info sheet that I was given. My symptoms is still open for all NJ residents in their search for a were just mildly uncomfortable occurrences - my vaccination location. Albeit spots can go fast, many arm was quite sore for a couple of days, and I had a new locations and time slots are available every day. fever for an hour. Afterwards, I can still In Union County, the site ucnjvaccine.org helps wholeheartedly say getting the COVID-19 vaccine residents register for either the Moderna or Pfizer was one of the best choices of my life. As sophomore shot at one of three main locations. The most Ella Bertolotti puts it, “A [little] pinch or even some promising of public options available in NJ right now, side effects won’t be nearly as bad as COVID.” however, is the existence of six vaccination Aside from reassurances, the other possible “megasites.” Since April 29, the megasites have all thing that I can offer to you is some simple advice. offered walk-in appointments for NJ residents Starting with sophomore Connor Nguyen, he regardless of county residency. Still not enough? suggests, “To prepare, I’ve been told to get plenty of Behold - vaccinations are even available at the local sleep and drink plenty of water beforehand to stay CVS/Walgreens! In fact, Ava got her first dose of healthy.” His advice holds true both in the days Pfizer at a CVS store. Many hospitals are even offering leading up to and after each dose; a well-rested and the vaccine themselves, including Overlook Medical well-hydrated body can better handle the stresses Center in Summit, NJ. I will say that the organization and side effects related to the vaccine. As from me, I and procedures of some vaccine sites may be hectic would just say to “roll” with it (pun intended). and lengthy, but do not let that deter your spirit! No Gearing up to get my first Pfizer dose, it hit me that matter how long you wait, you will get your vaccine the existence of a vaccine seemed so unreal. I could either way with the help of the wonderful volunteers not even process that feeling until after the shot at the site. It is probably best to choose a day that because my body and mind moved like a system of does not conflict with your schedule, though. cogs - go to this station here, line up there, see that Now, this is a common fear associated with station for the jab, wait a bit more, leave. The process vaccines in general - does it hurt? Let me take you to was done. I think it was for the better that I did not when I got my vaccine - me, who is not the biggest fan think much at all - stresses would not have stopped of needles. I thank the nice lady from the military who anything because the machine was already in motion. chatted with me throughout the entire procedure. Instead, I trusted that my body knew what the right Volunteers are trained to distract patients from what choices were. Now, we are here - a little bit closer to is going on, making the injection feel like nothing a safer world for my family and I.