Opinion | The sooner Hong Kong is vaccinated, the sooner we can be free again
- People should get the jab as soon as possible – like wearing masks, vaccination is a community responsibility
- While the vaccines will not immediately turn the clock back to pre-pandemic times, they are one of the strongest tools in our kit moving forward
It is human nature to be hesitant and to have questions about new, unfamiliar things. The coronavirus vaccine is the product of a tremendous scientific effort. Yet the on-the-ground discussions you hear about the vaccines are often very emotional, not based on science or fact.
That is understandable. We are asking people who are already fearful and stressed after a year of dealing with the pandemic to volunteer to put something unknown into their bodies. I think that all governments – not just Hong Kong’s – need to keep this in mind, and redouble their efforts to educate the public with sensible, accurate information.
The most common question about the vaccine that I hear from friends and associates is: “Should I take it?” The answers vary, depending on the person. Some people cannot wait to get the jab, because they are tired of being tied down and believe that vaccination will allow them freedom to travel and resume their normal routines.
Essential workers are anxious to be vaccinated because they want to feel protected on the job. But others, perhaps feeling less vulnerable since Hong Kong has a low infection rate, want to wait and see.
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