From all accounts, yesterday's rollout of the Pfizer COVID-19 vaccines to persons aged 12-18 was a rousing success. Braving inclement weather throughout the day, hundreds of students and those outside the school system, accompanied by their parents or guardians, turned out to the 13 vaccination sites across the country to access their vaccines.
There were a few teething problems at some of the sites, which led to long lines and waiting periods for those trying to access their jabs. But for the most part, it seemed as though the initial anxiety about the process did not materialise into actual hesitancy
Some of the students, no doubt, may have had to be coerced by their parents/guardians to undertake the process. However, in some instances, there was also no doubt that it worked in reverse — where some children had to convince their parents/guardians that allowing them to access the jabs was the best possible scenario in the long run. These students ultimately understood the importance of the process and what it means as far as enabling them to return to in-person classes and being able to access a more holistic education process.
Having said that, this media house congratulates Minister of Education Dr Nyan Gadsby-Dolly and Minister in the Ministry Lisa Morris Julien for being among the first parents to take their children for the vaccines. That both ministers led the way by not only talking the talk but walking it as well, would have gone a long way towards convincing other parents/guardians of their trust in the vaccine and the process. There is nothing like motivating from the front and hopefully, the ministers' action yesterday will keep the spark flowing in terms of numbers as the process continues.
What remains now, therefore, is for the Ministry of Health to rectify the logistical issues so that the enthusiasm in accessing the US-donated Pfizer vaccine is maintained.
But even while that process seemingly kicked off well, citizens were greeted with more sombre news of another unfortunate milestone in the fight against the dreaded virus.
T&T yesterday recorded its 1,200th death due to the virus, reinforcing among the citizenry that the battle against the virus is far from over and that we are still well short of our goal to reach herd immunity.
The vaccination process for the 12-18 age group can provide an extra layer of protection to the younger members of society. This is critical, given that the data is now showing that the Delta variant is just as virulent amongst the youth as it is for the adult population.
So even as yesterday's process to target those of school-age has begun, this media house reminds the adults that they also have a responsibility to access vaccines now readily available to citizens. The reopening of the retail sector this week brought more human activity and with the personal service sector scheduled to resume next week, the virus will have more people to attack unless citizens who the discipline needed to keep it at bay. This will only come if we practice the 3Ws and the big V — wash your hands, watch your distance, wear your masks and get vaccinated.