BAC Encourages Members to Access the COVID-19 Vaccination
[Washington, D.C.], February 22, 2021 – Today the International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers issued the following statement encouraging members to access the COVID-19 vaccination:
The COVID-19 virus continues to be a serious problem across the United States and Canada, threatening both our health and our economy. In addition to following CDC and OSHA guidance to frequently wash hands, wear masks, and practice social distancing, access to safe and effective vaccines is the best way to keep BAC members safe at work and in their communities.
Scientific and medical evidence indicates that COVID-19 vaccines approved by the FDA and the Public Health Agency of Canada are safe and effective. According to the world-renowned MAYO Clinic, these vaccines:
- Prevent you from getting COVID-19 or from becoming seriously ill or dying due to COVID-19;
- Prevent you from spreading the COVID-19 virus to others;
- Add to the number of people in the community who are protected from getting COVID-19 — making it harder for the disease to spread and contributing to herd immunity; and
- Prevent the COVID-19 virus from spreading and replicating, which allows it to mutate and possibly become more resistant to vaccines.
There is a good deal of false information about the COVID-19 vaccines out there, so be sure to check reliable sources like the CDC and the Public Health Agency of Canada to get the facts about these vaccines, which the overwhelming majority of health experts agree are the best way to fight the spread of the virus.
Although we recognize some have personal or religious beliefs or medical conditions that may prevent it, we encourage BAC members to consider getting vaccinated as soon as the vaccination becomes available to them.
Even after you get the vaccine, we urge everyone to continue to follow public health agency guidance for safety, including frequently washing hands, wearing masks, and practicing social distancing. We owe it to each other and to our families.
The International Union of Bricklayers and Allied Craftworkers, represents 75,000 skilled masonry-trowel trades craftworkers providing essential construction services across the United States and Canada.