Get vaccinated against Covid-19 quickly, says Dr Esorom

By LULU MARK
NATIONAL Pandemic Response Deputy Controller Dr Daoni Esorom is appealing to all Papua New Guineans to quickly get themselves vaccinated against the Coronavirus (Covid-19).
“Vaccination must be treated with urgency because the highly infectious Delta (virus) variant will continue to spread in Papua New Guinea,” he said.
He also urged everyone to work together as a united nation to stop the misinformation and encourage all to get vaccinated.
Dr Esorom spoke at the launching of “Meals for vaccination campaign” at the Rita Flynn Covid-19 vaccination centre yesterday.
He said the campaign was initiated by the Rotary Club of Boroko (with a K150,000 contribution) and supported by Big Rooster.
From Aug 23 to Sept 8, anyone arriving at Rita Flynn to receive vaccination, first or second doses, will receive a free voucher to thank them for accepting the jab.
The voucher can be presented at any Big Rooster outlet to receive a meal (snack pack or lunch box).
Big Rooster managing director Salim Chamadia said: “We aim to give out 15,000 meals in the next two weeks starting on Monday.”
Dr Esorom said the vaccination acceptance in the country was very low, posing a great threat as 12 Delta cases had been detected in Papua New Guinea and “we believe it is spreading in communities”.
“We are unable to determine the extent of the Delta infections as Covid-19 testing is also very low,” he said.
“What needs to be done now and urgently is for the people to get vaccinated.” Rotary Club representative Lionel Melville said vaccine hesitancy due to misinformation must be stopped.
He said vaccination was now the only best way to and prevent the Delta variant from spreading.
Melville said the invitation was open to anyone or organisation to partner the Rotary Club to drive Covid-19 and vaccination awareness.