Nambawan Super is encouraging more staff and members to get the AstraZeneca vaccine to protect themselves from the threat of the deadly, Coronavirus (COVID-19).
At a recent online awareness session hosted in partnership with the PNG National Control Centre and the World Health Organisation, over 170 Nambawan staff across PNG took the opportunity to participate in discussions and ask questions about the vaccine.
Nambawan Super CEO Paul Sayer said the online awareness session led to staff who joined Mr Sayer to sign up to receive the vaccine in 22 Branch locations across the country.
“It’s a relief for us who’ve taken the vaccine because we know we are now likely to be less infectious to one another and our members, and most likely won’t catch COVID-19.”
He said an increased level of engagement and awareness about how the vaccine can protect people was vital to increasing its uptake.
“As more people gain a better understanding and start to protect themselves by taking the vaccine, we will see the country’s wellbeing and business confidence restored, as many lives in PNG are saved.
“We hope to inspire more staff and members especially front line workers to take the vaccine to protect themselves from becoming seriously ill with COVID-19. It will mean those who are vaccinated can also protect their loved ones and communities.”
“For us at Nambawan Super, it’s really important to reduce the burden on our struggling health system, and ultimately the burden on our members who are our front line health workers, and are faced with COVID-19 infections, daily.”
“The quicker we can get on the front foot to get more people across the country vaccinated, the more likely we are to get back to life before the pandemic, without SOE restrictions.”
“The AstraZeneca vaccine has already been rolled out through major economies, including in Great Britain where it has helped to contain COVID-19 outbreaks. It is one of three vaccines being delivered across six continents,” he said.
Mr Sayer said the approach taken by Nambawan Super for its staff vaccinations, was consultative in order to understand any needs or concerns staff had about the vaccine.
“Every single one of our employees was consulted through a series of surveys, as we wanted to understand whether they would take the vaccine when provided, and if there were any misconceptions we could address, if there was hesitancy.”
“Our approach resulted in the groups of staff being organised to receive the vaccine; a group receiving more information and awareness about the vaccine; and, an understanding and respect for those who do not want to take the vaccine.”
“We have found that over 30% who initially chose not to take the AstraZeneca vaccine, yet opted for more information and awareness, have since agreed to take the vaccine after having their misconceptions addressed and learning more from other staff who got vaccinated successfully.”
“As a Fund and an essential service provider, we are concerned about the health and wellbeing of our employees and our members, who have been in the front line since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
“We are continuing to engage with the business community to support PNG’s vaccination program, so that essential services can continue, and business can return to normal with more jobs protected in improved economic conditions.