By Leila Hamdi
The COVID-19 vaccine has been available in Canada since December 9th, 2020. Very soon, we will begin phase 2 out of the 3 phase vaccine distribution plan. Phase 1 happened in December, where limited doses of the vaccine were available for healthcare workers in hospitals, long-term care homes, retirement homes and remote Indigenous communities. Phase 2 is expected to occur in March, where we will notice an increase in the supply of vaccines available to all healthcare workers, residents in long-term care homes, retirement homes, homecare patients with chronic conditions, and Indigenous communities. Lastly, phase 3 is scheduled to happen in August, where vaccines will be widely accessible across Ontario for anyone who wants to be vaccinated.
I thought it would be compelling to do a poll asking Harbord students if they could get the COVID-19 vaccine, would they and why? Here are some of the responses:
“Yes, I would get the vaccine because it’ll help me better protect my mother, who is high risk and therefore part of the vulnerable population. My dad is a front-line healthcare worker who already got the vaccine, and he comes home every day and tells us just how bad it is - the hospitals are overwhelmed completely - and I couldn't in good conscience refuse a shot that would help make the situation for those at risk better.” (Alex Chernoff)
“No, I wouldn’t because the vaccine has me extremely skeptical about its effectiveness.”
(Savanah Braithwaite-Campbell)
“Yes, because I believe in science.” (Salvatore Furfaro)
“I would definitely get the COVID-19 vaccine if I could, because I think it’s the best tool to get everything back to normal. Obviously, I think it’s necessary to vaccinate the more vulnerable populations and healthcare workers, but once it’s my turn, I would be happy to get one.” (Daniel Botsko)
“Personally, I would get the vaccine. A lot of people have already gotten the first dose, and even though I still have doubts and fears, if they think that this will only benefit us and help lessen cases, then I would take it when it becomes available to us.” (Yzabelle Quintero)