COVID-19 update for offenders and their families: August 26, 2021
This content is a message to federal offenders and their families from Correctional Service Canada's (CSC’s) Commissioner.
Why get vaccinated against COVID-19?
Many of you have already received your two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. Preventing the spread of COVID-19 through a complete COVID-19 two-dose vaccine is very important. Thank you for doing your part - it is making a huge difference. We are now at 73% of inmates that are fully vaccinated. With your help, let’s get closer to 100%.
There is currently a Delta variant of the virus, which causes more infections and spreads faster than earlier forms of the virus. It might cause more severe illness than previous strains in unvaccinated people. Vaccines continue to reduce a person’s risk of contracting the virus, as well as reduces your risk of serious illness, hospitalization or death from COVID-19.
Here is some helpful information on why you should get the vaccine:
COVID-19 vaccines are safe:
- They went through all the required stages of testing and clinical trials before being approved for use in Canada.
- Extensive testing and continuous real world safety monitoring show that these vaccines are safe and effective.
COVID-19 vaccines are effective:
- The vaccine can protect you from serious illness. If you get COVID-19, you risk giving it to loved ones who visit you and may get very sick.
- Recent reports in Canada indicate that less than 1% of those who were fully vaccinated have become seriously ill with COVID-19.
- Getting vaccinated yourself helps people around you, particularly people at increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. It also helps protect young children who cannot receive the vaccine.
COVID-19 vaccination is the best way to help build your protection:
- People who are fully vaccinated have better and longer lasting protection than those who received just one dose, including against the Delta variant.
- Get vaccinated regardless of whether you already had COVID-19. Evidence is emerging that people who had COVID-19 can still enhance their immune response by getting the COVID-19 vaccine
- COVID-19 vaccines do not contain the live virus that causes COVID-19 so the vaccine cannot make you sick with COVID-19.
The health care system is currently overwhelmed with many treatments and surgeries being postponed. Doing our part helps those in need get the care they require by reducing the burden on our health care system.
I urge you to get vaccinated. Vaccines work, and paired with other public health measures, remain our best defence. If you have any questions about the vaccine, speak to Health Services today!
"You are free to choose, but you are not free from the consequences of your choice."
– Author unknown
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