The Covid-19 pandemic has impacted almost every corner of life, causing global economies to stall, changing the way we work and interact with our loved ones, and stretching healthcare systems to the limit. Almost all governments around the world have been forced to implement harsh restrictions on human activity to prevent the spread of the Covid-19 virus.
Fortunately, the beginning of 2021 saw numerous vaccines given emergency approval and begin their roll out in countries across the world. A vaccine activates our immune system and greatly reduces the risk of getting infected with Covid-19. Malaysia began its COVID-19 vaccination programme in February 2021, with our frontliners being the first in line to receive it. While the third wave of COVID-19 cases forced half of Malaysia into a second movement control order (MCO 2.0), all hopes are on the vaccine to help us get back to our normal daily lives and get the world back on track after more than a year of tough battle against the pandemic.
When vaccinated, the body's immune system will be activated to recognize the invading pathogen and produce antibodies. This means that if the person is exposed to the dangerous pathogen in the future, their immune system should respond immediately to destroy it with antibodies, thus protecting against the disease. After enough people in a population are vaccinated, the virus will effectively stop spreading by what's called a ‘herd immunity’. Hence, vaccination is the most important thing we can do to protect ourselves and the people around us against Covid-19.
So, what is the importance of vaccination?
Vaccine is an important tool to help stop the pandemic
Stopping a pandemic is no easy feat. Wearing masks and social distancing help reduce the chance of being exposed to the virus or spreading it to others, but these measures are not enough to curb it. The Covid-19 vaccine may offer some natural protection, known as immunity. The vaccine works with our immune system, creating an antibody response, so that we are effectively protected from the severity of the disease and lowers our risk of death due to COVID-19.
Vaccine helps to form "herd immunity"
The number of infected and death cases of Covid-19 in Malaysia is currently rising. Vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and help control the infection rate by benefiting the whole community through herd immunity. As more people continue to receive the vaccine, the community may reach herd immunity, which means the spread of the Covid-19 virus becomes unlikely hence effectively reducing the number of cases of Covid-19. It’s important to get vaccinated to help form herd immunity and achieve this public health goal.
Vaccine helps to ditch the mask
The vaccine is the final step in humanity’s effort to get back to a more normal way of life. Although masks are still recommended indoors in areas with high infection rates, the vaccine is our path toward eventually moving beyond them. As long as people are fully vaccinated and herd immunity is reached, there is a hope to have a normal society again, enjoy daily life, working and learning without distancing, without masks and without fear.
Vaccine helps to reconnect with friends and family
Another importance of getting vaccinated is families could feel comfortable gathering again, sharing meals and enjoying each other’s company. It is good to reconnect with friends and families in person instead of virtually. Enjoying regular shopping, road trips without constant worry about the consequences. Besides, many companies are allowing their employees to return to the office, allowing co-workers to reconnect after many months. However, people who are fully vaccinated are advised to stay at home for 14 days after the second dose of the vaccine for the best immune response.
After a year of uncertainty, the vaccine has arrived and has clear benefits that should make everyone strongly consider getting the vaccines. By choosing to be vaccinated, people can protect not only themselves and their family but the community as well. Aligned with the nation’s efforts to combat the pandemic, NCT employees realised the importance of vaccination and successfully hit nearly 100% to be vaccinated.