THE Scarborough Cricket Association (SCA), led by its dynamic Guyanese-born president Shiv Persaud, is not just about playing cricket but is also community-oriented and cares about the health of both its players and others.

When it was approached by the Scarborough Health Network (SHN) to stage a vaccination clinic, the SCA immediately embraced the idea and last Sunday close to 100 individuals received their ‘jabs’, some first and others second, of the Pfizer vaccines at the Ashtonbee ground in Scarborough, Toronto.

While members of the public and some players were being vaccinated during the four-hour outdoor session, action in the SCA 2021 season continued at adjoining grounds, lending for a serene atmosphere.

Persaud, who graced the occasion with his presence, said the SCA thought it was a great idea and was excited to be part of the vaccination drive in Toronto. He pointed out that the turnout was greater than expected.

Persaud disclosed that the SCA also used the occasion to distribute trophies won during the 2020 season since it could not have staged its annual presentation, dinner and dance due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr Nallapaneni, who led the medical team administering the vaccines, explained to Chronicle Sport, that the SHN was trying to make that last push to vaccinate as many persons as possible, especially in light of the Delta Variant.

According to Dr Nallapaneni, those who are hesitant about being vaccinated should note that the choice is now between getting the doses or risk getting the Delta Variant. She referred to cases where children under 12 years are being hit hard by the Delta Variant simply because adults refused to be vaccinated, while stressing the importance of the exercise.

She also touched on the possible long-term effects of the Delta Variant, which some studies show could include serious neurological, psychological, breathing and heart problems. (Frederick Halley)