By Janet Alvarez - CNBC
The start of the long-awaited vaccination program against the coronavirus heralds the beginning of the end of
a pandemic that has devastated the physical health of many and the economy of the country
.
However, even when the light at the end of the tunnel gets brighter, don't be complacent and just wait.
Depending on the age, health status or occupations of the members of each household, choosing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible could bring benefits to the economy and better opportunities for growth, according to experts.
And for
the Latino community, which has been particularly hard hit
, the financial benefits of vaccination may be even more convenient.
[Follow our coverage of the coronavirus pandemic]
The impact on the overall economy
The economic damage caused by COVID-19 can be felt in different areas of the US economy, from higher unemployment to closed small businesses.
But vaccination could also have a massive impact, restoring confidence and increasing economic activity, says Maria Martinez, president and CEO of Border Federal Credit Union
.
“We all know that reduced spending and increased federal aid resulted in a historically high personal savings rate in the United States, but there
was
also
an increase in unemployment
.
By receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, people will gain confidence in being around other people, they will start spending, and many of them will go back to work, reducing the unemployment rate and improving our economy, "he added.
"I see the vaccine as a protective shield that allows us to go out and be close to others without fear of danger. When you are not afraid, you become a productive citizen that benefits all areas of our economy," Martinez said.
They estimate a new spike in COVID-19 infections due to Christmas celebrations in the United States
Dec. 28, 202002: 29
Still, there is a general perception that not all citizens
trust the COVID-19 vaccination program
, and although choosing to get vaccinated is a very personal choice, Carlos Calderón, President and CEO of the OAS Staff Federal Credit Union, he says it can also be seen as a way to regain strength in the economy and society.
[Every 10 minutes a person dies from COVID-19 in Los Angeles]
“Getting the COVID-19 vaccine is more than a personal matter.
It is our responsibility as members of a community
.
We need to revive the economy, keep businesses open so we can keep our jobs, and most importantly, stop the spread of this deadly disease, "Calderón said.
Helping the Most Affected Latino Community Gain Trust
At the peak of the pandemic crisis, last summer,
the unemployment rate rose more than 10%
.
Worse yet, Hispanic unemployment peaked at more than 16% (it has since fallen to around 8%).
However, the unemployment rate for Latinos continues to exceed that of the general population, driven, in part, by higher rates of Covid and employment in the most affected sectors.
Despite the impact of the virus on the Latino community, Martínez acknowledges the reluctance some Latinos feel toward the vaccine.
She advocates building trust among Hispanics regarding immunization.
“Unfortunately,
the coronavirus pandemic had a very negative effect on the income of Latino households
.
A large percentage of them experienced a loss of job or salary, which created difficulties in many ways.
Additionally, more COVID-19 cases were reported among Latinos, "he said.
[Why is there a vaccine against COVID-19, but not against cancer or AIDS]
"The vaccine will not only help reduce this trend, but it will also improve the income of Latino households, because many of them will return to the job market. Hispanics will receive the vaccine if they believe it is safe and that it will be good for those we care for. , since trust is an important factor for many, "said Martínez.
Where to get information about vaccines
Having access to reliable information about vaccines in Spanish is essential for many Hispanics to properly evaluate whether they should be vaccinated.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Red Cross, the Mayo Clinic, and AARP have excellent resources in English and Spanish, designed to inform and educate about the characteristics and benefits of the vaccine. .
Some Latinos may have the question about whether their immigration status will be affected when seeking a vaccine, but experts assure that
immigration status is confidential in health care centers
and that workers and these centers cannot reveal the legal status of anyone .
Some states with a large number of Hispanics, such as Texas and California, have formally announced that immigration documentation will not be necessary for vaccination and that it will be available at no cost to all.
The CARES Act ensures that everyone can receive proper treatment and care, regardless of immigration status.
A report reveals that 63% of Latinos are willing to get vaccinated against the coronavirus
Dec. 11, 202002: 11
If enough Hispanic families choose to get vaccinated, they can help support the economic resilience of not just their own home, but the community at large.
“By making the personal decision to get vaccinated, Latinos
can continue their roles as one of the engines of American society
,” Calderón said.
[Biden criticizes Trump for the delay in vaccination: he promised 20 million immunized by the end of the year and there are 10 times less]
“
The Latino community, as a workforce and the
largest
engine
of America's economic industry, must stay healthy.
The financial well-being of our families depends on us.
By obtaining the vaccine, we will continue supporting our country as we have always done ”, concluded Calderón.
