Health
health
Vaccinations
will get us
back to normal
The carmaker is ready to provide vaccinations against COVID-19 to up to 1,200 employees a day for free
survey conducted at the end of last year showed that most employees at ŠKODA AUTO are interested in getting vaccinated against COVID-19 (see the chart). Vaccinations have already started all over the world, and the carmaker is busy with preparations. In cooperation with social partner, the KOVO Trade Union, the company works on a vaccination strategy acquired the necessary equipment and set up vaccination centres with qualified staff.
In record time and thanks to massive funding, scientists have come up with a vaccine that will end this societal and economic downturn that has tragically affected so many people’s lives.
Vaccinations can begin as soon as possible, although it depends on when the government releases the vaccines – more importantly, there is no desire to jump ahead of those who should be first in line to get the vaccination. “The government currently has limited resources of vaccines and staff, so the decision has been made that the most vulnerable population group and those caring for them will be vaccinated first. Next in line are pensioners, citizens with health problems and employees working in critical infrastructure. The last to be vaccinated will be people of working age and of good health”, explains Jiří Prokop, head of SG – Health Services and Ergonomics.
Immunity will be a team effort
The company's communication campaign will seek to motivate employees to get vaccinated. It will include an information website summarising the details of how the vaccinations are organised and will address certain ambiguities. “The campaign’s main goal, however, will be the joy of finally having a vaccine that will let us all meet, cooperate, enjoy our time, relax and go for a coffee or beer or watch football together”, says Prokop, whom employees can contact with any related questions or concerns.
The vaccine has a multifaceted effect. When they encounter the virus, those who have been vaccinated will either not get sick at all or not have a severe medical reaction. They will also protect the people around them – since their infection rate is very low, it is very unlikely for them to spread the disease among their family or co-workers. “Sadly, those who decide not to get the vaccine rely on 75 percent of their co-workers to do it for them”, says Prokop, adding that once he is sure there are enough vaccines for everyone, he will be happy to lead by example and have himself vaccinated. Building herd immunity is in the interests of the company and beyond – to break the circle of recurring waves and shutdowns and thereby avoid overwhelming hospitals and having unnecessary deaths. RED
How interested are the employees of ŠKODA AUTO in getting vaccinated?
Total of 6,819 people took part in the ŠKODA Space survey at the end of last year.