Statement by Archbishop Pinder on Vaccine against COVID-19

March 8, 2021

To the Faithful of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Nassau
and To All Persons of Goodwill

Beloved in Christ,
Re:  VACCINE AGAINST COVID-19

As we continue to live through the current pandemic we are now drawing near to the time when a vaccine against COVID-19, already available in a number of other countries, will be made available locally as well.

I wish to take this opportunity to assure you that the position of the Roman Catholic Church as to the vaccines against COVID-19 is that, in our present circumstances, persons who are eligible and able to receive the vaccine should do so willingly.  This is to protect the health of the recipient, the health of all those with whom the recipient comes into contact and especially to protect the most vulnerable for whom infection with this virus could mean serious illness, hospitalization or worse.  In this regard, receiving the vaccine promotes the Common Good by protecting an individual's health, promoting public health and saving lives.

In active demonstration of this position Pope Francis himself has already been vaccinated. A number of my bishop colleagues from our Conference have already been vaccinated. I too intend to receive the vaccine as soon as it becomes available to me.

Let us continue to be disciplined, committed, consistent and serious in applying all the safety protocols necessary to protect us against COVID-19.  Now as always we are our brothers and sisters keepers.

May God continue to bless us and keep us as we continue to work through the challenges posed by this pandemic.

Devotedly yours in Christ,
Most Reverend Patrick C. Pinder, S.T.D., C.M.G., K.C.*H.S.
Archbishop of Nassau