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Take control and get vaccinated

We live in a world filled with things we cannot control, including global conflicts, elections and whether the Bears will turn things around. These uncontrollable realities — albeit some more pressing than others — breed uncertainty.

Unfortunately, the human psyche hates uncertainty. When confronted with it, our mental health often suffers.

The good news is that there are some areas where we can reclaim some control, creating pockets of stability in our shifting world. One area is straightforward: You can help protect yourself from the worst symptoms of seasonal viruses by getting vaccinated.

The Lake County Health Department recommends updated 2024-2025 vaccinations for influenza, COVID-19, and for older adults, RSV. We know vaccination helps to protect against severe illness and death, but as a psychologist, I think it’s important to note the mental health benefits, too. Vaccination is a simple, proactive way to claim control over something impactful in our lives.

This year, in addition to flu and RSV vaccines, Chicagoland pharmacies are stocking two types of updated COVID vaccines: The mRNA vaccines by Pfizer and Moderna, and a protein-based vaccine by Novavax. Regardless of which you choose, when you get vaccinated, you are significantly reducing your risk of severe illness and hospitalization.

There’s so much beyond our control, but whether a virus takes a chunk out of our life this season is something that we can influence. Vaccination is a simple safety step that can help give your body additional protection, and your mind additional peace, this hectic time of year.

Aaron Weiner, PhD, Lake Forest