Overcoming hesitancy in getting vaccinated
Writing as I do quite often about the Covid threat in our neighboring countries I sometimes wonder whether what I have said depresses people rather than giving comfort.
I want to assure everyone I have no intention of wanting to do that and be seen as a Job’s comforter, using biblical terms.
I have real concerns for the people of the Solomon Islands, especially because of the Delta variant of the coronavirus.
I will try and illustrate my concerns by quoting a few facts and sharing a thought or two.
It has been reported today that NZ’s Prime Minister, Jacinda Adern has said she has sleepless nights pondering how the Delta variant (from NSW) got into New Zealand.
Arrive it did and today, Tuesday, there are 39 new cases of Covid-19 in Auckland and all public venues are closed.
Auckland will remain lockdown until at least 14 September.
PM Adern has once more stressed how important vaccinations are.
In Fiji the Health Ministry is concerned at the rate of children dying from the Delta variant, with the latest victims a six-month-old boy and an 11 year old girl.
Vaccination of children between 12 and 17 years is key to protecting young people from Covid-19, the chief medical officer has said.
In NSW there have been 1,168 fresh cases of Covid-19 overnight and the local population continues to rush and get vaccinated.
It is hoped Australia will have 80 percent of its population fully vaccinated (two doses) by the end of October or early November.
It has taken the rise in daily Covid-19 infections, especially the Delta variant, to see the rush for personal protection against the virus.
The government of Japan has most recently kindly delivered more AstraZeneca vaccines to the Solomon Islands and I believe there is no shortage of vaccines available.
What worries me, however, is still some vaccination hesitancy in the community and this is disappointing but also puts the country at risk to exposure to the Delta variant. It happened in New Zealand and nobody knows how.
I would please request the social media platforms to be honest about the true value of getting vaccinated.
Also I would ask the same of community organizations to spread the news about the value of getting vaccinated.
The church too has a vital role to play in encouraging vaccinations and the lead as already been set by His Grace the Archbishop of Melanesia in getting his own first jab.
Yours sincerely
Frank Short
