THINK ¢ Dr Marcus Ong is a member of the Methodist Church of the Incarnation. He is an Emergency Physician and Clinician Scientist who has been on the frontlines fighting COVID-19 since January 2020. / Photo courtesy of Dr Marcus Ong
Ten reasons
for getting vaccinated
A
s Singapore’s COVID-19 vaccination programme is underway, the campaign faces challenges from vaccine scepticism or rejection. A recent study of more than 30,000 people in Singapore revealed that roughly 40 per cent were agreeable to vaccination, 20 per cent rejected it and the remaning 40 per cent were undecided. I have already received both doses of the vaccine and would like to offer 10 reasons why I strongly encourage my parents, family and friends to get vaccinated.
1 COVID-19 is a serious and deadly disease The COVID-19 global pandemic has claimed more than 3 million lives worldwide and caused unprecedented personal, social, economic and health impact. Singapore, with more
than 60,000 recorded cases and 30 deaths, has not been spared. Fortunately, we have so far been able to protect our healthcare system and vulnerable patients, unlike countries where hospitals have been overwhelmed. However, we should not take this for granted.
2 COVID-19 preys on the elderly and the weak COVID-19 impacts especially the elderly and those with chronic medical conditions. These groups have many times the death rates compared to younger people. There is also a condition called “long COVID”, where people who recover continue to feel unwell for weeks or even months. Ironically, the young and healthy may have mild, or even no, symptoms but are very effective at unknowingly spreading the disease to others, as they may feel well. We need to protect the vulnerable.
Registration at our Columbarium Office (Level 5) Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm (Closed on Public Holidays). Tel: 6479 8122 HP: 9670 9935 or Fax: 6479 6960 Email: veronicalowjmc@yahoo.com.sg
