South Africa has managed to obtain sufficient COVID-19 vaccines for all its citizens. It can therefore move on from treating the most vulnerable, to vaccinating everybody. By there’s still one catch. Many don’t fully understand the need for jabs, especially the virus sceptics and those in far-flung rural areas. The health department is implementing new ways of tackling vaccine hesitancy.
Making it Easier to Get the Jab Sooner
Current policy requires online registration, and attendance at designated public or private vaccination sites. This in impractical for many, but the health department is considering providing transport. It also hopes to take vaccine to people’s homes according to Business Tech. And open drop-in centers at shopping malls.
Health officials hope to follow the people wherever they go, and start tackling vaccine hesitancy in community environments. Soon the faithful may find the service laid on when they go to places of worship. But that’s not all. There’s also talk of providing it at night clubs, sports venues, and anywhere else where large numbers of people gather.
Tackling Vaccine Hesitancy by Shouting Out the Message
The media are also receiving attention. Authorities are negotiating with politically neutral personalities to become vaccine champions on social media. WhatsApp is being mobilized, fun videos are being created on TikTok so real people can relate to true stories. Educators will teach scholars the facts and encourage them to become ambassadors.
There will be no place to hide from the truth if the health department has its way. Billboards will spring up on highways. Shopping malls will sprout huge banners. This work is important since large numbers of South Africans live in congested informal settlements. If they can help dispel vaccine hesitancy together, then their economy will become healthier too.
Recent
This Is Not the Moment to Drop Our Guard
COVID DNA Vaccine Offers Hope to India
Preview Image: South African Efforts to Date
