Does your employer ask you to get vaccinated?

My employer didn’t push me to receive the vaccine, but only asked me if I want to have it. At first I said no. The reason was simply that I was afraid. It is a new medicine and there were lots of people saying in the media that those Covid-19 vaccines were harmful to ones’ health and could even kill you. But on the other hand I also realised that if I did not take the vaccine what would be my protection against the virus. So I asked my boss to book an appointment for me. After I was fully vaccinated, all the anxieties inside me were gone. I’m thankful that I am here in Hong Kong because the government have more than enough vaccines for the people and we are lucky that we can choose what kind of vaccine we want to take. And I read that if 60 to 70 per cent of people in the community got the vaccine we can gain herd immunity so maybe by that time everything will be slowly back to normal. After I completed the two jabs required, I felt at peace and safe a little bit. I can say that I’m not that worried anymore. However, I keep all the precautions needed like wearing face mask, good hygiene and maintain social distancing as I am fully aware that I can still get the virus if I’m not careful when going out.

 —Babylyn Ambo Torres

My employer told me that I will not be seriously-ill if I get vaccinated even though I am infected. He asked me to take the vaccinations, but I have the last say. My employer did not force me.I am apprehensive about taking the vaccine because there were a lot of negative feedbacks heard from news at the beginning, no matter whether they are related to the vaccine or not. I will consult my doctor first to see if it is safe for me to have the jabs.

— Nadine Lim

My employer did not push me to receive vaccine but she asked me if I want to go for it. She reminded me of our social responsibility and explained to me the health risk of the Covid 19 to all the people around us. So I said yes and I wanted to go for the vaccine for my own protection and that of others. Now I am fully vaccinated by the grace of God. I feel very well and less worried. I feel protected inside and outside the house. I also hope other people around me can feel safe knowing that I am vaccinated. I am very thankful to my employer for reminding me of issues that are important for my health and safety. 

— Mary Jane Perez

My employer did not push me to receive my vaccination. On the contary I was the one who asked to be vaccinated. I have completed two jabs. I did not feel anything unusual immediately after the second jab but the next afternoon I had fever until evening. I took Panadol and then I felt better. Since I completed my vaccinations, I am no longer scared to come into contact with others in social gatherings or public places. Before my vaccinations, I would get scared when someone sneezes and I would always pray that no one gets infected here in the house. Thank God my employers and I are all vaccinated.

— Lory Tacadena

I have just started my work with my new employer. She is a very health conscious lady. When we talked about the Covid-19 pandemic she asked me not to go for the vaccine yet. She said she is concerned about the side effects of the vaccine. She does not like to receive vaccine either.I told my employer that I want to receive the vaccine for the purposes of protection so that I can return to Hong Kong after my home vacation next year. She said she understands the government rules for overseas Filipino workers and she will comply when necessary. She explained that she will be responsible for all the requirements by March 2022 when I need to go back to the Philippines after a year. She only advised me to stay calm, take care of myself, eat nutritious food, wear mask and be responsible in my social dealings. 

— Tess Baring

My employer asked me if I wanted to receive vaccine and is just waiting for my decision. I am still afraid about the side effects and I want a medical check up first.

— Elvira Baladia