“The mild anxiety we feel is so quickly overtaken by the relief of having a solution and being able to move forward.”
We caught up with five Monash Health Executives following their COVID-19 vaccination to gain insight into what inspired them to take action and lead the way in the fight against COVID-19.
For Professor Carlos Scheinkestel, Executive Director Quality and Safety, the vaccination symbolises freedom and opportunity. “For a while there, things settled down and it was easy to think we didn’t need the vaccination, but the reality is the situation can get out of hand so quickly. If you have the opportunity to do something and stop this, then take it. It’s not just about going on holiday and travelling; it will make a huge difference to those little things that are so important, like being able to entertain family and friends and going to restaurants and venues. We’ll all get our freedom back.”
Chief Medical Officer and Executive Director Medical Services, Dr Anjali Dhulia, said of her post-vaccination experience, “It feels wonderful, like the end of one journey and the beginning of another. I understand some people may be hesitant, and I’d ask them to look at the evidence and get advice from experts. The benefits of the vaccine far outweigh the minor risks. At the individual level and in the interests of the whole community we serve and are a part of, having this vaccine is a good thing.”
Emilio Pozo, Executive Director Digital Health, felt a renewed sense of optimism and hope to plan for the longer term. “I like to travel overseas, and it’s great to think that I will be protected by the end of the year. I’m looking forward to what that protection will afford me to do, which wasn’t possible to consider in the past year, particularly things like vacations. The process itself was easy and pain-free. The Monash Health team are lovely and made sure it was a great experience.”
Adjunct Professor Katrina Nankervis, Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer and Executive Director Residential Care and Support Services, was keen to use her insights to encourage our employees and their family and friends. “When you think about other diseases and what vaccines have done to control or eradicate them, it’s wonderful. Personally, it’s a relief and a great step forward to be vaccinated against COVID-19. I would say to anyone else to educate yourself well about the vaccines and the process and ask questions if you have concerns. If you’re vaccinated, please spread the word and encourage family and friends to be vaccinated as soon as they’re eligible.”
Chief Transformation Officer, Associate Professor Andrew Block, viewed vaccination as a defining moment for a chance to return to a more familiar way of life. “We have this opportunity for definitive protection, so we should take it. As we’ve witnessed, you can transmit this before you even know you’re sick, so the sooner we protect ourselves and others, the better. I believe the mild anxiety we feel is so quickly overtaken by the relief of having a solution and moving forward.”
Thank you to all of our Executives for sharing their experiences with us. We hope you’re inspired to seek out information and make an informed decision about getting vaccinated. If you are one of the many employees already vaccinated, you too can lead through action by asking your patients and consumers and family and friends if they’re vaccinated against COVID-19. You can discuss options and point them toward our SEPHU website, which has information on finding a vaccination clinic including translated flyers and eligibility and booking.
Approved by Katrina Nankervis, Emilio Pozo, Andrew Block, Carlos Scheinkestel and Anjali Dhulia.