COMMONWEALTH Healthcare Corporation chief executive officer Esther L. Muna on Thursday said that the Covid-19 vaccine is a pathway to getting the CNMI to “the next normal.”
“It protects the ones we love and the most vulnerable in our islands,” she said.
As the public health official for the state, she said that she respects the hesitation that community members have regarding taking the vaccine.
“It’s quite alright to have questions about its efficacy and its safety, so we want individuals to ask questions and get the answers they need to make an informed decision,” she said.
Unfortunately, there’s a lot of misinformation going out into the community, she said, noting that it is important that community members are obtaining information from sources that are accurate and proven.
“Vaccines are not new, but this one is different because of the emergent need. From what we know, however, the quality of its approval process did not change,” said Muna.
She added, “We need to remember that the pandemic is not over and with the new variants, to fight and continue to protect the CNMI, we need everyone’s help to be patient, be vigilant in practicing the 3 W’s. Once you’re ready and have all the factual information, do get the protection of the vaccines.”
Muna said that she took the Covid-19 vaccine to protect her family, friends, staff, and the beautiful people of the CNMI.
CHCC pediatrician Leticia Borja, for her part, shared her thoughts on the virus as it pertains to children.
“At this time, available data indicate that severe illness due to COVID-19 is rare among children. However, children can pass the infection to their family and friends, so it is important that older siblings and parents or caregivers get the COVID-19 vaccine to prevent serious illness and death of family members,” said Borja.
Currently, studies are being done so that a safe and effective vaccine can be available for young children, she noted.
“Until that time, the only way to protect young kids is to protect their family by vaccinating with the COVID-19 vaccine,” she said.
The CNMI has received doses of the Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson Covid-19 vaccines, and has prioritized vaccinations for the manamko’ and healthcare workers.
As of Thursday, 9,992 people in the CNMI had received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Of the 9,992 people, 9,367 were on Saipan, 268 on Tinian, and 357 on Rota.
13,706 people have received their first dose of the vaccine, of which 12,121 were administered on Saipan, 742 on Tinian, and 843 on Rota.
