COVID Vaccination
Alexandria is one of those cities in Virginia where COVID transmission levels have already changed from substantial to high in a short period. Thus, the Health Department has announced the necessity to provide additional vaccine doses for people who are defined as immunocompromised (Cullum, 2021a). The author also admits the role of such organizations as the US Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in this decision. People who receive cancer treatment or organ transplant or have immunodeficiency or other untreated diseases and infections need help to prevent possible COVID-related complications.
Drugs at Schools
One of the recent news from Episcopal High School in Alexandria is alleged drug possession and distribution. Two students were found under the influence of alcohol or drugs and withdrawn immediately by their families (Cullum, 2021b). Several packages with suspected drugs were taken from them, and one of those parcels remained open. Although the legal representatives of the school did not give comments on this situation officially, the community was concerned about the event and wanted to know more with time.
Choice Explanation
The chosen articles are related to the theme of public and community health because of several reasons. First, COVID is probably one of the most commonly discussed topics today, and people need to know how to be protected with the help of available vaccines. It is not enough to follow simple preventive measures but to recognize the populations that could need more opportunities and attention because of their health conditions. Second, the quality of education and the distribution of drugs at schools should never be neglected, even if people think that such problems can never penetrate their lives. Finally, the desire to combine health and education challenges has its ground. Today, people are not always able to control all events, but their devotion to public safety and following social norms can be enough for Alexandria citizens for the moment.
References
Cullum, J. (2021a). With high transmission levels, Alexandria says third COVID vaccine does is available for severely immunocompromised residents. ALX Now. Web.
Cullum, J. (2021b). BREAKING: Alexandria police investigate drug distribution and possession at Episcopal High School. ALX Now. Web.