COMMONWEALTH Healthcare Corp. Chief Executive Officer Esther L. Muna on Thursday said the Covid-19 vaccine is a pathway to “the next normal.”
“It protects the ones we love and the most vulnerable in our islands,” she added.
But Muna said she also she respects the hesitation that some community members have regarding the vaccine.
“It’s quite all right 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 added.
Unfortunately, she said, misinformation can spread in the community, adding that it is important that members of the public obtain information from official and authoritative sources.
“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,” Muna said.
“We need to remember that the pandemic is not over and with the new variants, we need to continue to protect the CNMI, and we need everyone’s help to be patient and be vigilant in practicing the 3 W’s” — wear your mask (or shield); watch your distance; wash your hands.
“Once you’re ready and have all the factual information, please get the protection of the vaccine,” Muna said.
She said she took the Covid-19 vaccine herself to protect her family, friends, staff, “and the beautiful people of the CNMI.”
The children
CHCC pediatrician Leticia Borja, for her part, said “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.”
Currently, studies are being conducted to ensure that a safe and effective vaccine can be available for young children, Borja said.
“Until that time, the only way to protect young kids is to protect their family by getting 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.
