By TGN Editorial Team
The COVID-19 pandemic remains prevalent – and with its new variants such as Delta and Lambda, our key to staying safe and protect others is to get vaccinated.
Taking part in the COVID-19 vaccination is not just about getting the protection your body needs but also a social responsibility. Thome Group encourages its seafarers and employees to get vaccinated as it helps weaken the spread of the virus. The protection that vaccines provide to our bodies also extends to our loved ones and the community.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), getting vaccinated is safer than getting infected. “Vaccines train our immune system to recognize the targeted virus and create antibodies to fight off the disease without getting the disease itself. After vaccination, the body is ready to fight the virus if it is later exposed to it, thereby preventing illness.”
Here are some scientific facts on why getting the COVID-19 vaccines are essential:
- The COVID-19 vaccines give you layers of protection on resisting the virus.
- In case you get COVID-19 despite being vaccinated, the risk of getting a more severe infection is slimmer.
- Approved COVID-19 vaccines provide a high degree of protection against getting seriously ill and dying from the disease, although no vaccine is 100% protective. The WHO approved the following vaccines: Pfizer/ BioNTech, Oxford/AstraZeneca, Sinopharm, Sinovac, and Johnson and Johnson.
- A fully vaccinated person can help protect the unvaccinated persons in their household because of the added immunity. However, it is still best if everyone in the family can be vaccinated.
- According to the WHO, the Pfizer vaccine is suitable for people aged 12 years and above. Children aged between 12 and 15 who are at high risk may be offered this vaccine alongside other priority groups for vaccination.
- Widespread vaccination will limit spread through communities and restrict the virus’ opportunity to continue mutating into new variants.
The virus does not care how old you are, how fit you may be, or what nationality you are, it can strike anyone at any time so getting vaccinated is important for your health and to stop the disease from spreading as some people may have the virus but show no symptoms, so could be spreading the disease unknowingly. Some of the approved vaccines require two shots so make sure you get both as your level of protection increases dramatically after your second jab. For two-shot vaccinations, you need to wait for a minimum of 8 weeks between the first and second dose.
Those who are willing to get vaccinated may contact their Crewing Manager, HR Department, and/or register to their local government units in their respective countries for free vaccine administration.
Vaccine works. Vaccine protects. Let’s all take our part to achieve global herd immunity.
Sources:
www.who.org ; https://
www.hopkinsmedicine.org
