How the world is rising to the vaccination challenge ?
Healthcare workers are on the frontline of the fight against COVID-19 worldwide. However, the way each country tries to ensure they are vaccinated as they lead that fight is as different as the impact of the virus in different countries. Here’s what is happening in some of the other countries affected by the pandemic:
Italy：Italy was the first country in Europe to launch a mandatory vaccination policy for healthcare workers. Refusal to receive a vaccination is punishable by suspension or dismissal.
Canada：Healthcare workers and residents in elderly homes were prioritised for vaccination. However, due to uncertainties over vaccine delivery, the schedule for healthcare workers to receive their second doses was delayed. Canada subsequently obtained the vaccines it needed through COVAX, the global vaccine sharing programme.
Taiwan：All healthcare workers in Taipei and Kaohsiung, are required to be vaccinated. There are plans for all vaccinated healthcare workers to be provided with insurance by their local Governments.
United States：Healthcare workers have been given priority for vaccination. Some hospitals in Texas mandate vaccination of medical staff and suspend those who refuse the injections. More than 100 healthcare workers filed an unsuccessful lawsuit against one hospital.
Italy：Italy was the first country in Europe to launch a mandatory vaccination policy for healthcare workers. Refusal to receive a vaccination is punishable by suspension or dismissal.
Canada：Healthcare workers and residents in elderly homes were prioritised for vaccination. However, due to uncertainties over vaccine delivery, the schedule for healthcare workers to receive their second doses was delayed. Canada subsequently obtained the vaccines it needed through COVAX, the global vaccine sharing programme.
Taiwan：All healthcare workers in Taipei and Kaohsiung, are required to be vaccinated. There are plans for all vaccinated healthcare workers to be provided with insurance by their local Governments.
United States：Healthcare workers have been given priority for vaccination. Some hospitals in Texas mandate vaccination of medical staff and suspend those who refuse the injections. More than 100 healthcare workers filed an unsuccessful lawsuit against one hospital.
Leading the way to a better tomorrow
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced us to a ‘new normal’ way of life. To protect patients and colleagues, frontline staff are now required to conduct regular COVID-19 rapid antigen tests regularly. The sooner we can seize this critical opportunity to get vaccinated and develop mass protection, the sooner we will be able to return to a more normal life. That means we can look forward to less testing and more relaxed hospital visiting arrangements. The dark days of fighting SARS will never be forgotten. This time, we are more fortunate because we have the vaccines to help us in our fight. It is the responsibility of each one of us to get vaccinated as soon as possible, to keep our patients and our colleagues safe, and to build a barrier of immunity for Hong Kong.