Vaccination may be a personal choice, but, depending on who you ask, becoming vaccinated against COVID-19 is one of the most selfless acts an individual can engage in.

More concerned about the safety of his students than of himself, Ruel Bailey, a Jamaican teacher, whose name has been altered to protect his identity, in conversation with Our Today, explained that his students were a key influence in his decision to get the COVID-19 jab.

He stated: “Personally, I think I did it more for my students in the sense that, in the case, God forbid that I do catch this thing, I won’t be out of the classroom for an extended amount of time because I got so sick that I couldn’t go back to school.”

After being out of the classroom for approximately 16 months and dealing with all the challenges that came with the transition to virtual classes, Bailey expressed that he was very excited about a possible return to the classroom.

“Returning to the classroom is the part of this I am most excited about,” said Bailey. “I can’t wait for school to start. I much prefer face-to-face classes and the truth is some teachers, their teaching styles match face to face more than online in getting things across and I think I am one of those teachers.”

In light of this, Bailey, who previously was very hesitant about taking the vaccine explained that outside of his students the possibility of returning to face-to-face classes owing to high vaccination rates made the idea of getting the jab significantly more appealing.

“I didn’t want to be a hindrance to the whole returning to school thing because I know it only works if we work together. So I can’t just expect my students to be vaccinated or the environment to be safe for my students if I’m not willing to play my part,” said Bailey.

Though in full support of COVID-19 vaccinations, Bailey was firm in his belief that vaccination should be a personal choice.

He later explained that while he understood the reasoning behind the education ministry’s decision to mandate vaccination for students attending face-to-face classes, he believed that the mandate would negatively impact students who need face-to-face class the most but whose parents are against the vaccine.

Having experienced the challenges with virtual classes first hand, Bailey who, though tech-savvy, stated he was “not a fan”.

“While I am able to do what I do whether face to face or online, I believe my students would have a better time if classes had been face to face,” said Bailey.

When asked what he would say to parents and teachers who remained hesitant about taking the COVID-19 vaccine, Bailey had one simple request, “Do your research.”

“Make the decision that you feel is best for you and for your students,” said Bailey.

“I’m not telling you that it is a must that you take this thing but whatever you think is best for you and safest for you, because if we do go back to face to face you’re going to be back in that classroom and I don’t know if you’re going to want to be in that classroom with no protection.”