Without doubt, vaccination is a great breakthrough in the struggle against the coronavirus pandemic. Each vaccinated person potentially saves multiple other people against infection. As little as 50% of the vaccinated population will significantly reduce the risk of spreading coronavirus in the population.

The good news is that the number of people who are willing to receive the vaccination is increasing In January this year; the vast majority of residents of social welfare homes, more than 70 per cent, declared their willingness to get vaccinated.

Why get vaccinated?

Zdzisław Borkowski, a resident of the social welfare home in Gorzyce, discussed this issue among other things.

– I get vaccinated against the flu every year and I also get vaccinated against COVID-19. I know the potential severity of the disease, because my family was ill. I have others to live for. I finally want to be able to see my children and the new-born granddaughter. Vaccination gives such chance – Zdzisław Borkowski emphasised before receiving the vaccine.

Katarzyna Zbrzyzna, director of the “Laurentius” Social Welfare Home in Olsztyn, noted in turn that while working at the SWH, she wants to get the vaccine not only because of her own health. – I will feel safe knowing that I will no longer risk infecting other inhabitants. What is important now, is the responsibility for others, for their health and lives. We will return to normality, we will open our Homes, the families of residents will be able to visit their loved ones after both us as well as the residents get the vaccine; and we know all know how important the presence of close ones is for the inhabitants of the SWHs – pointed out Katarzyna Zbrzyzna.

– While getting the vaccine, first and foremost I think about others. I work at a Social Welfare Home with elderly people who suffer from multiple diseases; they are at an increased risk of Covid-19 infection. By getting vaccinated, I will also make it possible that the restrictions will be lifted more quickly, and normal life will resume – said Jolanta Sikorska, coordinator of the “Laurentius” Social Welfare Home in Olsztyn.

“By getting vaccinated, I take responsibility not only for myself”

Wioletta Szejerka, a senior physiotherapy therapist working at the Social Welfare Home in Lubawa, Iława branch, admitted that if she had the opportunity to be vaccinated the 0 hour – she would do it.

– By getting vaccinated, I take responsibility not only for myself”, and the SWH residents I care for. I don't want to live in fear of COVID – 19, an unpredictable disease that can be fatal. I want to plan for a future that is peaceful and secure. Perform the tasks of a physiotherapist without danger – declared Wioletta Szejerka.

Marek Kaucz, director of the Social Welfare Home in Lubawa with a branch in Ilawa holds a similar opinion. He assured that he would get vaccinated on the first possible date and encouraged everyone to do the same.

– Only the widespread vaccination of SWH workers, their family members and the residents themselves will allow us to return to normal life. We, Polish nationals, trust pharmacists, we believe in the effectiveness of medicines. We also need to believe in the effectiveness of the Covid-19 vaccine, which is confirmed by international experts. Vaccination is safe and guarantees a return to normality – he said.

“To make it all get back to normal again”.

Anna Kwiecińska, director of the Social Welfare Home in Międzyrzecz, believes that vaccination is an opportunity “to make things normal again”.

– Despite my fears, I wish to enjoy life’s little pleasures back again – work, cinema, theatre, gym, swimming pool, meeting loved ones. And that there should be no fear, no worry that a loved one might pass away. I am going to vaccinate if that is going to also help others. There are more benefits than risks to that. That is why it is worth it – argued Anna Kwiecińska.

Mirosława Baranek, a nurse at the Social Welfare Home in Międzyrzecz stated briefly: “I vaccinate because I think not only about myself but also about my loved ones. It allows to increase their safety and to break the chain of addiction”.