The Benedict News Spring 2021 Edition

against COVID-19. Dr. Cleary stressed the importance of this figure and how even though
people who live in the modern world are so used to things being 99 percent effective that
95 percent is also outstanding.
“In college I wish I saw 95 percent effectiveness,” Dr. Cleary said. “We celebrate 15 percent
effectiveness, so this vaccine is created from the world’s best and brightest minds.”
Panel members talked about how the virus has hit the country and the entire world hard.
It is a dark time in human history, with hundreds of thousands in the United States alone
dead. Many people like Dr. Pernell have lost loved ones and co-workers to the virus. At
times it seemed to some that the virus was growing too powerful. However, now, the
panelists said, we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel thanks to the vaccine. With
millions of people starting to get vaccinated, there are hopeful signs that we may soon
return to normalcy, that we will be able to achieve herd immunity and defeat or contain
the virus, and finally put an end to the pandemic. However no matter how much progress
doctors make towards defeating the virus, some said, it will be for nothing if people don't
do their part and get tested and vaccinated.
“You should trust that if there are people who are still skeptical out there, please don't
make a decision based on what you're seeing on social media whether its by WhatsApp,
Instagram, Facebook, or sometimes even on TV,” said Dr. Nii Darko ’96, a panelist who
hosts the podcast “Docs Outside the Box,” speaking about the importance of being
vaccinated. “Please make sure that you talk with your doctor before you make a decision
and if you don't have access to get to a doctor, you can go to local urgent care.”
Staff Photo
St. Benedict’s live streamed a second night of discussion on the COVID-19 vaccine with some returning and some
new participants. (Top row: from left) Dr. Glenn Cassidy, Dr. Chris Pernell of University Hospital, Newark,
(Middle row:) Dr. Jamal Gwathney, SBP Headmaster Fr. Edwin Leahy ‘63 O.S.B., and Dr. Frantz Pierre-Louis,
Infectious Disease Specialist, (Bottom row) History Teacher Mr. Louis Laine, and Dean of College Guidance Mr.
Didier Jean-Baptiste.)))
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