On Dec. 17, I had the honor of witnessing Cook County Health’s first COVID-19 vaccination at John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital. Tracy Everett, an emergency nurse, was first to receive the vaccine. At the end of a year marked by despair and loss, there was a sense of relief and joy in the room as Everett received the shot. I saw tears in many of her colleagues’ eyes as they clapped and cheered.

The vaccination of millions of people will require time and patience, but the arrival of the vaccine inspires hope when we need it most. This year has been challenging in ways we could never have imagined. More than 323,000 American lives have been lost; more than 7,800 in Cook County. Residents are out of jobs, struggling to pay bills, and small businesses are suffering. We have missed weddings, holidays and other cherished moments. We are longing for the normalcy we once took for granted, like a hug from a loved one or a nice meal out with a friend.

As the vaccine arrived in Cook County, I thought about growing up when nearly every child at school contracted measles, mumps and chickenpox. While most recovered quickly, there were the unfortunate exceptions of those who suffered long-term effects or succumbed to their illness. Over the years as the vaccines became routine, these viruses became much less common. I am confident that in due time, the same will be true for COVID-19. But to get there, we must encourage residents to get vaccinated.

Despite the misinformation or distrust many Americans have for vaccines, I will do my part and receive the inoculation when my turn comes.

My daughter is a nurse. Through her eyes, I’ve seen the demanding nature of the job, even in normal times. But this year, our health care workers — doctors, nurses, emergency medical technicians and hospital staff — have selflessly given so much under extraordinarily difficult circumstances. I am grateful that the heroes of our health care systems are the first to receive the vaccine so they can protect themselves as they continue to protect us.

Based on guidance from the federal government and the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, local health departments will prioritize high-risk populations including emergency medical staff, residents of long-term care facilities and individuals with underlying chronic medical conditions to receive the vaccine first. But as supplies increase in the coming weeks and months, the time will come when ordinary residents can receive the vaccine. While I know that many will be eager to receive it, others are wary of the vaccine.

As a Black woman, I am aware of the historical racism in medicine and the exploitation of Black people for medical purposes. I also understand how our country’s pervasive racism has too often prevented Black and brown communities from accessing the health care they need.

I am proud to say that Cook County has prioritized equity in our vaccine distribution plan. The Cook County Department of Public Health has developed a flexible, responsive vaccination program that can accommodate different vaccines. The vaccine will be free to residents. We are working closely with partners, such as hospitals, health care facilities, retail pharmacies and nursing homes, to ensure that residents can get the vaccine at a site convenient for them.

I urge residents to be mindful of vaccine information and to do their own research from trusted sources such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

The bottom line is the vaccine is safe, effective and our best chance to protect ourselves and our communities. Studies indicate that the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are as high as 95% effective.

When we contract COVID-19, we risk infecting those around us. But similarly, when we receive the vaccine, we are protecting those around us. When considering the vaccine, think not only of yourself, but of your elderly family members, your child’s teacher or the bus operator on your morning commute.

For too many people, memories of 2020 will always be synonymous with tragedy and loss. But we know we are strong and resilient. I look forward to the days ahead as we return to some sense of normalcy. To get there, I urge Cook County to join me in taking the COVID-19 vaccine when our time comes.