The debate about whether or not to be vaccinated is heating up on social media after the federal government gave the green light to Pfizer-BioNTech's COVID-19 vaccine. Some Richmondites can't wait to get onto the vaccine distribution list as soon as it's available, while others are feeling skeptical.
Around 400,000 British Columbians are expected to be vaccinated against COVID-19 by March 2021, with healthcare workers, residents and staff of long-term care homes among the first groups.
Richmondite Dana Liu said she would take a wait-and-see approach this time as she still has concerns about the vaccine’s safety.
"Washing your hands frequently and maintaining social distances could also prevent the spread of the virus,” said Liu, adding many Chinese-speaking immigrants might hold similar views to her. “I would adhere to the health guidelines for now rather than putting myself at risk due to potential side effects."
Another Richmondite Sue Pang agrees, saying she would rather let others go first as she also has some reservations and anxiety about the vaccine.
“I am not against vaccinations, but I am just worried the adverse side effects would take years to manifest. More education is needed to build trust and confidence for getting COVID-19 vaccines,” said Pang.
A survey released by the non-profit Angus Reid Institute on Nov. 20 showed 36 per cent of Canadians are cautious, saying they will not get vaccinated, nine per cent are unsure, while 40 per cent say they would get inoculated as soon as possible.
Grant Hsu is among those who can’t wait for the vaccine to arrive.
"I would have no hesitation getting the COVID-19 vaccine once the program is ready to roll out in Richmond. My only concern is how long I will have to wait," said Hsu. “Lots of people feel gloomy after being trapped at home for a year. We aren’t able to hunker down at home for another year.”
Hsu said he understands some people feel uncertain about getting the vaccine, which doesn't bother him too much since he believes all medications used for treating any health condition have side effects.
However, he hopes B.C. would follow in Ontario's footsteps and give people who complete their COVID-19 shots proof of vaccination in case they need to take a trip or travel for work.
"This proof would be so important for Chinese immigrant families who need to visit their relatives and friends in their hometowns. Many Chinese immigrants who hold Canadian passports aren't being allowed to visit China this year due to COVID-19 travel restrictions, but proof of vaccination would help ease the restrictions,” said Hsu.
B.C. has designated nine sites across the province to receive the vaccine and plans on expanding to 30 sites.
