COVID-19 raised a multitude of concerns in schools returning from summer break, particularly how schools would protect faculty and students. As Illinois began to make vaccines a priority for educators, Lake Forest Academy was able to organize the vaccination of eligible faculty members.

The lofty task wouldn’t have been possible without Anna Kilner, who is completing her first full year as LFA’s Director of Health Services. When asked about the process in getting faculty vaccinated Kilner stated, “I was able to talk to an organization that’s partnered with Lake County called the Erie Family Health Center because I previously worked there. I was able to get in touch with the medical director who said that they were working with the county to vaccinate educators and other people who were eligible.” When informed she was able to spread the information to LFA’s faculty and staff and get people signed up. While some were able to schedule appointments that opened up for K-12 teachers on the Illinois AllVax system, not all were able to get appointments right away, so Kliner’s ability to arrange for essentially a max vaccination for LFA faculty, staff, and sodexo members was a welcome surprise.

Kilner stated that about ninety percent of faculty and staff members have at least been administered one dose of the vaccine. She hopes that “Once LFA has reached a high level of vaccination morale can be increased, due to people not having to worry about contracting the virus”. She also stated that once students are vaccinated regulations like quarantining after being in close contact with someone who contracted the virus would be eased.

Even with its success, there were complications in the process. Dean of faculty, Tom Johnson explained how a number of faculty and staff had their second doses delayed. He stated that 

“Unfortunately, we had a number of faculty and staff that had their second doses delayed by a day or two, those people had made plans for class coverage based on their original appointments, so in some cases they had to scramble and revise their coverage plans”. Even with those complications Johnson stated that everyone was great in helping each other out when needed. 

With a vaccine in place and a rapid rollout across the country, many faculty and staff have received theirs. One of the faculty that received a vaccine was Ted Golota. Golota has been a teacher at LFA for over 4 years, and currently teaches both Algebra 2 and Conceptual Precalculus.  

When asked why he received the vaccine, he stated that he received it to protect himself because he not only has bad lungs, but also to protect those around him. With a virus that’s so easily spread, he believes that it was of utmost importance to protect himself, his family, and those around him. 

As vaccines are continuously  being administered, one point of concern has been regarding the side effects. With a swirl of unproven rumours being spread about the vaccine side effects, Golota stated that he “felt pain and aches about 16 hours after the shot. The area where my back was cut open for surgery was especially sore”. These symptoms are typical after any type of vaccine or shot. 

When asked if he would recommend others to take the vaccine, Golota stated that he would “absolutely recommend the vaccine to others”, as it is a way to protect those vulnerable.

Another faculty member who received the vaccine is Mr. Ryder. Mr. Ryder has been a teacher at Lake Forest Academy for over 10 years. “For me, getting the vaccine was an easy decision, from the standpoint of self-protection from the virus, but also from a sense of duty to the community and society as a whole.” Mr. Ryder confidently believes that vaccination is key to defeating this pandemic on a global scale.

Regarding his personal experiences, the side effect that came with the vaccine was muscle soreness. He stated that “both doses gave me a sore arm, but the second made me very tired for about 24 hours, with a slight headache, loss of appetite and a stomach ache. The next day I felt fine again.” Even with these side effects, he believes it a small price to pay for protection against the deadly virus. 

Ultimately, Ryder stated “I would recommend that others receive the vaccine also, while recognizing that many people have legitimate and personal reasons for not doing so.”

With vaccines continuously rolling out, one can only hope that a sense of normalcy will be restored throughout the world.