Not an anti-vaxxer but seeking some answers

THE EDITOR, Madam:

I FIND myself annoyed with the information that is going around as it relates to the COVID-19 vaccine and people being categorised either as anti-vaxxer or vaccinated.

I’m not sure why this is so because according to the Webster Dictionary, an anti-vaxxer is an individual who does not believe in vaccines and most Jamaicans are fully vaccinated. The right to choose one’s medical treatment has divided the nation into an incorrect use of the word ‘anti-vaxxer’.

My questions are:

1. Can I still get the virus if I take the shot?

2. Can I still die from the virus if I take the shot?

3. Can I pass it on to another when or if I’m vaccinated?

4. Can I develop immunity if I contract the virus and recover? 5. Can the vaccine cure me of the virus?

6. What’s the reason for taking the jab?

As a concerned citizen of Jamaica, before I even consider taking the jab, I would like those questions to be answered without being labelled as an ‘anti-vaxxer’.

Another thing that annoys me is the fact that the Government is speaking about the shortage of beds in hospitals. I am astonished that this is now a concern of the Government. The shortage of beds in hospitals in Jamaica was never a concern of the Government before, therefore, this should not be a selling point for the vaccine. While I acknowledge that the hospitals are not able to manage the number of COVID-19 cases that come in, it is still my right to refuse the jab.

The saying ‘your health is your responsibility’ needs to be the order of the day. I am concerned that the Government is trying to take away my right: to read and make the best decision for me by labelling me as an ‘anti-vaxxer’ because I choose not to take the jab. While I am not a promoter of the vaccine, I am not speaking against it either because I am a strong believer that it’s a personal decision.

STEPHANIE BALDEO-BROWN Mandeville, Manchester