People looking for a reason not to get vaccinated against COVID-19 are fast running out of options. Study after credible scientific study shows that certainly the Pfizer shots used in St. Maarten are effective and relatively safe, while their possible side-effects clearly do not outweigh the benefits from a public health perspective.
Same-day registration and vaccination are now possible at both injection centres: the Vineyard Building in Philipsburg and Belair Community Center. Soon, reduced mobility and/or lack of suitable transport will no longer be an excuse either, with pop-up vaccination clinics in the districts such as this Saturday’s (see related story) at Belvedere.
It is all part of the “drive to 85” campaign mentioned by new Minister of Public Health, Social Development and Labor VSA Omar Ottley, referring to a desired 85 per cent community vaccination rate needed for so-called herd immunity. Realistically this cannot be achieved without the sizeable immigrant population.
It has been said several times before and was repeated during the Council of Ministers’ weekly press briefing on Wednesday: Free vaccination against COVID-19 is available for all inhabitants regardless of legal status.
Getting this message across is not proving easy, despite the best efforts of all involved by – for example – offering registration forms in Spanish and Creole. Undocumented residents are understandably wary of practically all authorities and especially giving up personal information is a concern for these people living “under the radar.”
They have now again been assured their data will not be used to arrest and deport them. For future reference also, government must keep that promise and not betray their trust.
