President General of the All Trinidad General Workers Trade Union (ATGWTU) Nirvan Maharaj has said that while he is not a supporter of mandatory vaccination at this time and believes it is a question of personal choice, he is encouraging all his members to become vaccinated once the opportunity arises.
Maharaj said he believes from all reports worldwide, that though vaccination will not stop COVID-19, it may seemingly offer some level of protection against the harsh and adverse effects of the virus on those who are susceptible to these effects, because of underlying conditions.
A statement by the union said, "As such not being a medical doctor by profession or someone in the medical field with the locus standi to comment on the medical usage of the vaccine, he is urging his members to be guided by the medical professionals rather than the speculation and assumptions of those who are not medical practitioners and take the vaccines, if not for themselves at least, for the sake of their families more so their children and their elders."
Maharaj stated that if the vaccines can offer one per cent more protection for those with underlying conditions and others as well, to fight the virus, then he is urging everyone who believes the same, to take the vaccine.
He reiterated, however, that at the end of the day, it is a matter of personal choice.