Source:
https://scmp.com/comment/letters/article/3142217/coronavirus-hong-kong-publicise-risks-remaining-unvaccinated
Comment/ Letters

Coronavirus in Hong Kong: publicise risks of remaining unvaccinated

  • The recent outbreaks of Covid-19 in Taiwan and Japan are scary to read about
  • The Hong Kong public must be adequately informed about the dangers of being unvaccinated against Covid, and especially the Delta variant
Residents rest after receiving their first dose of the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine at a vaccination centre at Tokyo Skytree in Tokyo on June 30. Japan’s efforts to fight Covid-19 have been hampered by a slow vaccine rollout. Photo: AP

It is frightening to read about the recent outbreaks of Covid-19 infection among our neighbours. This is due to the low vaccination rates in Taiwan, South Korea and even Japan. Hong Kong must be more diligent about vaccinating the Hong Kong public and a campaign must be launched to tell the public about the dangers of catching Covid-19 by not being vaccinated – especially if Hong Kong wants to open up.

Vaccination rates in Hong Kong have increased but we are still far from herd immunity. We are so fortunate to have enough vaccines for our entire population. The government, private sector and local media must work harder to tell more local people about the urgency to get vaccinated. The local population may not be well -informed about the dangers of contracting Covid-19 and especially about the new Delta variant which is even more contagious.

People over the age of 60 should be especially encouraged to get vaccinated as they are more at risk from deleterious side effects if they are infected. There are many cases of long Covid, which means the symptoms continue even after you recover from Covid. The local media must be roped in to report the dangers of getting Covid and to promote vaccination among the local population.

Millions of people around the world have already been vaccinated safely and effectively. Do not allow rumour-mongers and purveyors of false news to stop the vaccination effort. It is far better to be vaccinated than not. Covid has been proven dangerous if contracted and even full recovery is not guaranteed.

Harriet Tung, The Peak