Re: COVID vaccinations in priority lineup
As a health care worker, I am dismayed that my health and well-being has been left to the mercy of our government. Regrettably, they have shown little respect for all members of the health care team.
We were deemed essential when the pandemic was first declared, we dutifully reported to work, insuring the care of clients in need of our service.
When news of a vaccination was revealed, health care workers breathed a collective sigh of relief knowing that we were at the top of the priority list in terms of who should receive the vaccine first. Now many have been relegated to age sequencing — no real appreciation for the risks we face daily particularly for those who are younger workers.
Admittedly, some frontline health care workers have received their vaccination, however a vast majority providing vital services have not.
How is it then that our priority has shifted?
Was it politics? Did the government crack under pressure of fewer vaccines rolling in? Why did we lose our position of importance?
In the eyes of our government, we are expendable.
If the government mandate is to protect and serve the people of this province, should we not protect those that by the very nature of their work, provide health care services to the people of this province?
We think so.
-- Martin Been
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
