Disclaimer: I, Emily Corzo, am related to both subjects, Erick and Veronica Corzo.

As Chicago enters phase 1B of the vaccination process minority groups remain hesitant to receive the vaccine while the South and West side neighborhoods of Chicago remain the most impacted by the pandemic,

Phase 1B of Chicago's vaccination process includes 65-year-old and older, essential workers, and non-healthcare residential living. Chicago went into phase 1B as of January 25 of this year.

For a married Hispanic couple from Chicago's South side, the ability to receive the vaccine was an opportunity they could not pass on.

Erick and Veronica Corzo, both parents in their late 40's, work as cleaners for a brewery and distillery in the Logan Square neighborhood and through their employer, they were able to register for the vaccine.

Erick Corzo, the first between the two, received the vaccine's first-dose on January 26 of this year and has his second-dose appointment on February 23-- exactly four weeks or 28 days after the initial dose.

"The nerves of getting the vaccine was more noticeable than the shot itself," Erick Corzo said. "I'm afraid of needles but first is health."

Veronica Corzo received the first dose of the vaccine on January 28 of this year and has her second-dose appointment on February 25-- exactly four weeks or 28 days after the initial dose.

"I've felt worse pain than the vaccine felt. A pinch is nothing compared to the consequences of COVID,"Veronica Corzo said.

Innovative Express Care is the distributor of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, which the couple received.

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine, not approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), is a two-dose vaccine distributed throughout a month and is injected into the muscle. It is worth noting that the FDA issued an emergency use authorization, a process to aid the process of medical countermeasures during moments of public health emergencies.

The specific amount of Moderna COVID-19 vaccines distributed throughout the Chicago area is unknown.

Illinois received about 2.5 million vaccines, administered about 1.8 million vaccines, a mix of the Moderna and Pfizer vaccine.

There are 12.67 million people in the state of Illinois, with 2.71 million people in the city of Chicago, according to the 2019 census date.

Erick Corzo’s vaccination record card and in the back a reminder slip of the date for the second dose.

According to Erick Corzo, the first few days after receiving the shot he felt no side effects, although a fever-ridden day did occur a week after the dose.

On the left bicep of Veronica Corzo, a sore feeling occurred, followed by a bruise and a slight fever, but no other symptoms occurred.

Veronica Corzo’s left bicep with a bruise from the shot from the first dose of the vaccine, the picture was taken on Feb. 5, 2020.

Last year, the couple tested positive for COVID-19 and in December suffered the loss of a close relative due to COVID-19 complications. Veronica Corzo lost her father, Alvino Castillo. She described it as a constant clenching pain in her heart.

"I just don't want more people to be lost… it’s too much pain to deal with already," Veronica Corzo said,

"My values have not changed, but yes, I show more care."

The couple kept to themselves as the situation worsened around their neighborhood of West Elsdon, with the number of positive cases on the rise.

Yet, they described COVID as always taunting them with events they often filled their spare time.A night out with friends and family turned to a night consumed by what-ifs.

"Staying inside is hard, but so is seeing the toll a loss can have on someone," Erick Corzo said.

By her side, Erick saw what he describes as an undesirable rapid emotional toll throughout his wife's loss.

"You hear about the numbers, but you don't think of the people behind them," said Erick. "Then it happens to you, and that is when it becomes more real."

According to the couple, their decision is the emotional toll that the pandemic has taken on them as individuals and their relationship.

Veronica Corzo’s vaccination record card and in the back a reminder slip of the date for the second dose.

"Everything new will have possibilities. I am making the decision that makes me feel safe at heart," said Veronica Corzo.

Veronica emphasizes motherhood as an underlying reason for the vaccine since her current worry is her two sons, one of which is prone to getting pneumonia during the harsher winter weather.

"What happened cannot be reversed, but as a mother, my kids' safety is my priority," Veronica said,

Erick Corzo's reasons revolve around his family as well as securing a veil of safety.

"I want to work like I regularly did because it provides relief," said Erick Corzo. "You know 'my family is okay' I'm doing the best for them."

Erick and Veronica Corzo remain hopeful that people from their community see past their issues and get vaccinated for the sake of themselves and their loved ones.

"I know it isn't a certain safety,but it is another level of safety for more than myself," Veronica Corzo said.

The Moderna COVID-19 vaccine is not known to give or contain SARS-CoV-2, the virus known as COVID-19.

"Every [physical] body is different," Veronica Corzo said, "We all could react in different ways."

The COVID vaccine as more than science