Senior Citizens Rush To Take That Third Jab
Today, Belizeans 60 years and older, those with comorbidities, and those that are healthcare workers flocked to the vaccination sites across the country to get a third dose of the vaccine. That's because yesterday Cabinet approved booster shots for persons who are considered part of the vulnerable population and those who are at higher risk of contracting the virus.
It's a welcomed move by most since even patients who are double vaxxed but suffer from some underlying condition have lost their lives to the virus. And those who can get wasted no time today. Courtney Menzies went out to the Central Health Region vaccination site and has this story.
After the greenlight for booster shots was given, those eligible flocked to the vaccination sites to get that third shot. And one of those senior citizens who have a higher chance of getting severe COVID symptoms was former politician, Michael Finnegan.
Michael Finnegan, Senior Citizen
"I want to play it safe and I know that the vaccine does work and if every one of us take time out and come and get their vaccines, things will be much better than they are right now so I'd want to encourage everyone to come and be vaccinated. My third shot is the Pfizer. My doctor advise me to take the Pfizer."
Courtney Menzies:
"But your first two were AstraZeneca."
Michael Finnegan, Senior Citizen
"Yes ma'am. It was simply, you don't even feel the needle. The young lady who was the nurse in there was so professional, the people out here are so kind, everybody try to corporate so I'd encourage people to come and get it done."
"Remember also I am a cancer survivor for 11 years and I have other underlying problems so it is important that I be vaccinated."
And it's those comorbidities that also pushed Barbara Johnson to come out to the vaccination site. She and her husband suffer from a few underlying conditions but she learnt that she still has to wait before getting that third shot.
Barbara Johnson, Senior Citizen
"I came because on the program yesterday they said after 5 months but upon checking here I was told six months."
Courtney Menzies:
"And how long ago did you get your second shot?"
Barbara Johnson, Senior Citizen
"Oh 5th of May."
Courtney Menzies:
"So you still have a little while to wait?"
Barbara Johnson, Senior Citizen
"A little while, one more month."
Courtney Menzies:
"Why was it important for you to come as soon as possible?"
Barbara Johnson, Senior Citizen
"I have underlying conditions and we're told that the meds that you take for those conditions cut down on the effectiveness of the vaccine. Yes I'm concerned and I barely come to the streets anyways."
Courtney Menzies:
"So you've been staying protected."
Barbara Johnson, Senior Citizen
"Oh yes I stay home."
Courtney Menzies:
"So with this booster shot will you feel a little more safer, do you think?"
Barbara Johnson, Senior Citizen
"Oh yes I think I will feel safer. I would encourage all those people that are my age group and even younger to get your shot and do the follow up as required."
Courtney Menzies:
"Do you feel any more safer?"
Michael Finnegan, Senior Citizen
"Of course I feel extremely safer but I am not to take that for granted you have to remember to keep you hands clean, put on your mask, social distance, you are too close to me right now and play it safe with all the vaccine you have to do that."
"Avoid crowd, don't invite too much people into your house because when you invite them they bring the virus to you."
And as of yesterday, 205,901 residents have gotten at least their first dose, whereas 179,709 are double vaxxed.
Channel 7
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