ARLINGTON — Director Christine Bongiorno would like to share two videos that the Arlington Department of Health and Human Services has produced to encourage residents to get vaccinated and to follow COVID-19 guidelines in an effort to put an end to the pandemic.
All Eligible Residents Encouraged to Get Vaccinated Against COVID-19
In this video local Oncologist Dr. Robin Schoenthaler, who writes about COVID-19, and Arlington Public School Nurse Kristina Donofrio discuss the importance of getting vaccinated against COVID-19.
“What we are seeing in people who have hesitated or refused to get vaccines is catastrophe, suffering and ICU overloads and tragic, preventable deaths,” said Dr. Schoenthaler. “Thank you to everyone who has gotten vaccinated. There is one way out of this pandemic that’s assured and that’s for people to get vaccinated.”
COVID-19 vaccines are free and available to anyone age 12 and older. Residents who wish to get vaccinated can register here.
“The COVID-19 vaccine helps to protect students, parents and members of the community against severe illness and death,” said Nurse Donofrio. “It is definitely important to listen to your child if they want to be vaccinated.”
The Pfizer vaccine is authorized for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration for individuals ages 12-15, and recently it earned full FDA approval for individuals aged 16 and up. The two-dose Moderna vaccine and single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine are authorized for emergency use by the FDA for individuals aged 18 and up because they are safe and effective.
Click here for the Moderna fact sheet. Click here for the Pfizer fact sheet. Click here for the Johnson & Johnson (Janssen) fact sheet. Residents should consult their doctor with further questions.
Residents Should Continue Following Guidelines as COVID Variants Spread
This video features Public Health Nurse Jessica Kerr and Regent Theatre Owner Leland Stein, who discuss how following COVID-19 guidelines is crucial in helping stop the development of new COVID-19 variants.
“COVID-19 variants happen when the virus changes or mutates as it passes from person to person. These new variants, like the Delta variant, can be more contagious or even more dangerous,” said Nurse Kerr. “The way to stop new variants from developing is to stop the virus from spreading. If it doesn’t spread, it can’t mutate.”
In order to help stop new variants from developing, the town encourages residents to get vaccinated, wear masks inside, practice social distancing and get tested.
Stein explains how the Regent Theatre is doing its parts to help stop the spread, including asking guests and performers to wear masks while inside the building.
“It’s how we are doing our part to keep serving our community as we have for the past 105 years,” said Stein.
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