Dear Editor,
We would like to share some ideas on the article “Vaccination against COVID-19 in health care workers”.1 Da Silva noted that “As occupational physicians, we will ever be in the front lines, but we should act with caution, aware that we ... to work with our usual motivation and ethical commitment.”1 There is no doubt that medical personnel are at risk of contact and infection with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). Medical personnel should be given priority for vaccination.
However, there are many considerations regarding COVID-19 vaccination for health care workers. First, a safe and effective vaccine is required. The impact of vaccination should be monitored.2 At present, data on the efficacy and safety of new vaccines are limited. New vaccines are usually insufficient, and the best vaccine, with the best efficacy and safety, might not be available. As the first group receiving a new vaccine, there might be a risk of developing newly observed adverse effects. Additionally, COVID-19 vaccines do not provide complete protection. Medical personnel who are vaccinated can still develop the disease, and standard protection during work remains necessary.
It is necessary that there should be a reinforcement and refreshment for us, occupational physicians. Public health authorities should try their best to provide us with the best protection, and it can result in good work. If workers are strong and confident, success is expected.
Footnotes
Funding: None
Conflicts of interest: None
REFERENCES
- 1.Silva PCMC. Vaccination against COVID-19 in health care workers. Rev Bras Med Trab. 2021;19(1):1–2. doi: 10.47626/1679-4435-2021-191. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 2.Ali I. Impact of COVID-19 on vaccination programs: adverse or positive? Hum Vaccin Immunother. 2020;16(11):2594–2600. doi: 10.1080/21645515.2020.1787065. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]