Stop encouraging vaccine misinformation

THE EDITOR, Madam:

As a frequent visitor to Jamaica, I was very disappointed with the letter published on discrimination against non-vaccinated people. It was totally irresponsible by allowing the letter writer to put untrue and cherry-picked facts, as in fact, which are far from the truth.

The writer cherry-picked US government releases and presented them to push the point. In addition, pushed the point further by saying, ‘Hey, I had COVID-19 and I survived – no worries, just get COVID-19, you don’t need to get vaccinated.’ Here are some clarity about vaccines:

1. They do not provide long-term immunity – vaccines provide 90 per cent more immunity than being unvaccinated, but not mentioned.

2. Currently reduce the risk of severe infection and hospitalisation. this is correct, except there is no mention that if you are vaccinated, you have a 85 per cent less chance of being hospitalised or dying.

3. Do not prevent infection by or transmission, of, COVID-19 – This is not correct, vaccines provide a 90 per cent less chance of infection or transmission.

4. Lose their efficacy within a six- to eight-month period, with booster doses now being routine and mandated in several jurisdictions. This is incorrect. While boosters are being recommended in many countries, there is no suggestion that this will be a annual event. Yes, there is a reduction in efficacy, there is no suggestion or evidence this efficacy is reduced totally, or even significantly.

It is hard enough to persuade my family to come to Jamaica, given the low vaccine uptake rates. As I say to all people against vaccination, if you have another idea that will keep hospitals empty and get us out of this, feel free to let the world know – I am yet to get a response.

GARY HALFORD

Toronto, Canada