Well, it has been two dreadful years since the Coronavirus pandemic began. And, to tell you frankly, the world has not fully recovered yet. There has been a very great number of improvements, though.
Take this, for example. The United States, last year, was number 1 when it comes to the number of coronavirus infected population. But, they are now in the process of lifting their safety protocols, since majority of their citizens have already been fully vaccinated. I noticed this when I saw one of the countries most popular talent shows already having audiences, and without wearing any masks. This also included sporting activities, like basketball, and outdoor concerts. Slowly, the US is coming back to normal.
Another example is China. The source of the dreaded virus, was actually the first among all countries to recover! Other major countries followed, like Italy, New Zealand, etc.
There were other countries which got worst infections during the past year, like India, having uncontrollable death tolls due to the lack of oxygen tanks, and other medical equipment and materials. Most of those who died due to the virus had to be cremated (burned!) right outside open public places!
Let us not forget, from all the countries in world, it is the 3rd World countries that suffer the most. And that includes my country, the Philippines. And not to forget, our politicians tend to take advantage of the crisis which leads to corruption. Not all, but most.
But, even though there are still cases coming out day after day, it is good to know that giant pharmaceutical companies have come up with several vaccines which, hopefully, could take all of this away, and bring the entire world back to the way it was.
Through the effort of the national government, the Philippines was able to acquire Covid-19 vaccines from different countries, either by purchasing, or by asking and receiving some vaccines from some generous countries.
China, for example, has delivered some of the very first vaccines, which was to be administered to the Filipino people for free, but by categories (age, co-morbity, etc.).
The United States, delivered the Pfizer vaccine, Moderna, and soon, the J&J vaccine.
Russia delivered the Sputnik V.
European countries delivered Astrazeneca vaccine.
On a different point of view, citizen's fear that certain vaccines have certain effects leading them to become hesitant in being vaccinated. They fear that these could lead to what transpired during the "Dengvaxia" days, were a number of children died due to the side effects of the vaccine. Others say that this could merely be a testing ground for the vaccine, and that people are being used as lab rats. But these are all merely "conspiracy theories".
A few of the very first group of people to be vaccinated may have developed reactions, even fatal, but these could have been due to pre-existing conditions.
However, ever since vaccination was rolled out in our country, the number of infected individuals have receded, and the number of recoveries have increased. It may not be rapid, but there is a gradual movement. And it is on a positive note!
Members of my family have already received their 1st vaccine doses, my youngest brother being the 1st to complete his 2 doses of Sinovac (A3 Category - with co-morbidity). My mother received her 1st dose of AstraZenica through the effort of our local barangay (A2 Category - Senior Citizen). My brother, and his wife have received their 1st shots in Cavite (A3). My mother-in-law, who was very hesitant to get vaccinated because of the negative effects on the news, got her 1st Pfizer vaccine shot (A2).
I feel very thankful that I have received my first dose of Pfizer vaccine, together with my wife (the A3). I feel confident that this is indeed the first step to a normal future! We were able to schedule our vaccination though Wesmincom's partnership with the DOH. A form has to be filled up, and submitted. And, you will be scheduled depending on the category you specified. It only took 2 days for them to send a confirmation.
Our local barangay actually already listed us as early as March, but it was going to take forever for the actual vaccination to happen.
Others would opt to register online, thru the local government's link here. But, unless you know somebody from the inside, you will most likely have to wait for days, or even weeks to get a conformed schedule.
Just recently, the National IATF has allowed children 5years old and above to move around the city, like parks, visit relatives, go to beaches, except malls. However, the local IATF has yet to confirm this.
Take note, COVID19 is still out there. It is still continuously spreading. As of this writing, Indonesia reported their highest mortality rate in a single day (more than 1000!) This is just awful!
So, it is really up to the people, in general. Should you be vaccinated? Getting vaccinated is effective in reducing the spread of the virus. And there are definitely many other benefits, which you can read about here. Doctors are still trying to find ways to concoct vaccines for children. For now, children above 12years old can be vaccinated using the Pfizer brand (details here).
Would you like to live in a world without the coronavirus? Would you like to be able to breathe the air without wearing masks? Would you like to be able to travel freely without medical clearances, and swab tests?
The decision is in your own hands.
Long live, humanity!!!
