As Lesotho intensifies its Covid-19 vaccination campaign countrywide in its quest to attain herd immunity, we would like to throw our weight behind this noble effort by the government.
The vaccine has numerous well-documented health benefits. We will not delve into those, but the vaccine is the final step in our effort to get back to a more normal way of life. Public health measures such as mask wearing, physical distancing and hand-washing were implemented to slow the spread of the virus, and they have proven to work. Although masks are still recommended indoors in areas with high infection rates, the vaccine is our path toward eventually moving beyond them.
Evidence suggests that vaccinated people who might be infected with the coronavirus have fewer virus particles in their nose and mouth and are less likely to spread it to others. This finding is important as getting vaccinated now not only protects you, but also limits spreading the virus to loved ones and friends.
As more people continue to receive the vaccine, we might reach herd immunity, which means the spread of the virus becomes unlikely. It’s important we all receive the vaccine to help us achieve this public health goal.
The vaccine will help you reconnect with friends and family. Once you’ve received the vaccine and waited the recommended time for your body to build immunity, you can visit in person with other people who have been vaccinated without wearing a mask. Also, if you’ve been around someone who has tested positive for Covid-19, you do not need to quarantine if you are fully vaccinated and not experiencing symptoms.
After a year of uncertainty, the vaccine has arrived and has clear benefits that should make everyone strongly considered getting the shot. By choosing to be vaccinated, you can protect not only yourself and your family but your community as well.
