We all need to make sure we get the Covid jabs

Given the events of the past 19 months, one has to wonder if some people are in possession of somewhat limited memories. And in particular, the events of last winter.

The Covid vaccine rollout had yet to begin and things were looking grim.

Infection rates were sky-rocketing, we had to abide by the tier system (remember that?), days when more than 1,000 people’s deaths were attributed to the virus were frequent and our hospitals were overwhelmed.

Right now, infection rates are close to what they were last year – but thanks to the extensive vaccination programme, the numbers of deaths and people in hospital are much lower. We are no longer having to stick to limited bubbles and have much more freedom of movement.

Shops, bars, theatres, gyms and so on, are open again and we can mingle with others in all the places we used to pre-Covid, if we choose.

So to hear that there are still more than 300 hospital workers in Portsmouth who are not yet vaccinated is baffling. Unless there is sound medical reason why you can’t have the vaccine, why would you not?

The various conspiracy theories and genuine concerns have either been rebuffed or answered with sound science.

It is heartening that these

300 represent a relatively small percentage of the overall workforce.

But surely these people, even if not directly on the frontline, were at least aware of what was happening on the wards a year ago?

No-one wants to follow the route of Austria to criminalising those who refuse vaccination.

However, as we reach a point where some stubbornly refuse to get jabbed, we have to wonder what it will take to make them take not only their own health and safety seriously, but also that of those they come into contact with.