Last week, I had someone in my home who was not vaccinated and who identifies as an anti-vaxxer.

He spent the entire evening explaining to me why he does not believe in the vaccine and how he will never, ever, get vaccinated.

But my self-care is very important – not just for me, but for the people I care about.

So, I am vaccinated and wear my mask in crowded environments because I feel it is my duty.

It doesn’t guarantee that I will never get COVID, but I can, in good conscience say that I tried not to inconvenience other people.

When I realized that self-care wasn’t selfish, and that it was my duty, making healthy choices everyday became easy.

And those healthy choices include getting vaccinated.

Maria Balais is a community contributor for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. She is the principal at The Balais Group, a community engagement consulting firm, and a graduate of Agnes Scott College.

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Yemaya Lyles (right) wipes away tears during a news conference in front of the Rockdale County Public Schools administration building on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023. Lyles' son, Antonio, was assaulted by a paraprofessional, who has since been fired and charged with battery. Lyles says her case against the school district has dragged on since then. (Miguel Martinez/AJC 2023)

Credit: Miguel Martinez