The first respondents in Honolulu began being vaccinated for COVID-19 today, after months of treatment with coronavirus-infected patients.
Paramedic Shirley Ann Cazinha, stationed at the Waialua unit, lived in fear of bringing the virus home to her family and said she chose to get immunized so she could spend more time with her sick mother.
“Many of us do not see our own families because they are afraid of what we might take. It is heartbreaking for us not to be with our families. I can’t hug my mom. I can’t even see my mother “, Cazinha said today at a press conference. “This vaccine is a light in this darkness of COVID for all of us. For us, the first responders, we can reconnect with our families … and not be afraid that I will make my own family sick while I try to take care of everyone else. “
Oahu has about 4,500 first responders and more than 135 Honolulu emergency medical staff have so far signed up for the shooting. Honolulu EMS has treated over 600 coronavirus patients.
Honolulu police chief Susan Ballard said he was “on the fence” about administering the vaccine, but after researching scientific studies he was able to make an informed decision and set an example for the community.
“It’s a personal choice for everyone, whether they get the vaccine or not. I’m one of those people who has to do a lot of research … before making a decision. I decided to take the fire, “she said before receiving the first dose. The second dose should be given at least 21 days later. “If it means I’m getting this vaccine … that other people are willing to step up and might have a few secondary thoughts about it so we can make our island safe, then I’m there to do it.”
Honolulu fire chief Manuel Neves added that everyone must do their part to end the pandemic.
“It’s not like a light switch that will turn this virus on and off,” he said. “We all need to take … small steps and this is a major step for us, as a community, to move forward.”
Meanwhile, Lt. Government Josh Green, an emergency doctor on the Big Island, also received the first blow at The Queen’s Medical Center, after contracting the virus in September and developing mild to moderate symptoms.
“I think we should lead by example and I think this will really make a big difference for our state,” he told a separate news conference.
Hawaii health officials have reported 66 new coronavirus infections nationwide, bringing the total since the start of the pandemic to 20,417 cases. The official state balance sheet of COVID-19 remains at 282, with no new deaths reported. Of the total number of infections in the state, 1,700 cases are considered to be active.
Honolulu Mayor Kirk Caldwell said the city’s goal is to vaccinate as many first-aid “heroes” as possible.
“They need to take care of themselves so that they can take care of us and have taken care of us through the worst health crisis in 100 years,” he said, begging all residents to receive the vaccine once it the general public will be available. “It will protect you, protect your family and allow our community to return to a new normal.”