 Season's greetings to you. The Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs continues to emphasize on the importance of vaccination against COVID-19 in an effort to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on individuals, their families and the country. High social interactions in the absence of population immunity, especially during this festive season provides the condition to fuel the transmission of COVID-19. COVID-19 vaccines provide the best protection by reducing the risk of transmission, symptomatic disease, severe illness, hospitalization and death. The National Vaccination Program offers the AstraZeneca, Pfizer and Johnson & Johnson vaccines, all of which are very effective at keeping you out of hospital. Persons who have been fully vaccinated over six months are encouraged to get boosted with an additional dose of the vaccine for extra protection. Out of Tuesday 28 December 2021, 49,193 persons have been fully vaccinated, accounting for 27 percent of the population. 6,467 have received only one dose and 3,172 persons received boosters. 27 percent population immunity does not afford the level of protection that will reduce the spread of COVID-19 in our population. The more hesitant we remain towards vaccination, the more we expose ourselves and increase our risk to COVID-19 and variants such as Delta and Omicron. Earlier this year, during the peak of the fourth wave, we noted how overwhelmed the healthcare system and first responders became. As you make a conscious decision, whether to vaccinate or not, think not only about yourself, but also your loved ones, especially those who might be at a greater risk of becoming severely ill from COVID-19. Think about the burden on frontline workers, the healthcare system and the economy. Vaccination, undoubtedly, is the most cost-effective public health measure in response to this pandemic. Get vaccinated and boosted and let us remember the measures proven to be effective in reducing the risk of becoming infected and spreading COVID-19. Limit your exposure to people whose vaccination status is unknown, maintain good ventilation and wash hands often and wear your mask when in public places. Despite the continuing challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs offers its best wishes to you, your family and friends, a healthy, happy and prosperous 2022.