Counter Vaccine Hesitancy To Rein In Covid

Context: While countries are developing vaccines for COVID 19, vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge for a successful vaccination drive.

• It is estimated that vaccine hesitancy is one of the 10 major health threats worldwide.

Significance of vaccines:

• Prevented the spread of many diseases: Of the 20 commonly used vaccines today, 13 are against viruses that cause diseases such as polio, Hepatitis B and chickenpox.
• Reduction of death rates:  World Health Organisation (WHO) had reported that 21 million deaths were prevented between 2000 and 2017, mostly on account of the measles vaccine.

Positive development in vaccination strategy of India:

• Negligible side effects: There have been negligible side effects (0.08%) from the two vaccines (Covaxin and Covishield) used, with occasional hospitalisation.
• Vaccine envy: While the WHO has noticed a disparity between rich and poor nation in the context of vaccine availability, India is in an enviable position with enough vaccines.
  • Currently, India is exporting vaccines to over 25 countries.

Way forward:

• Ensure Mass Vaccination: while following Covid-appropriate behaviour — wearing of masks, social distancing and washing of hands. Strengthen vaccination drive at multiple levels:
  • Each vaccinated individual should be given a badge mentioning ‘I am protected’ to highlight his or her status.
  • Frontline warriors getting vaccinated should be given freebies, as was done for months in the US and UK.
  • Increasing awareness:
    • We could follow the example of Brazilian rap star MC Fioti, whose song titled ‘Vacina Butantan’ has swept the country as the vaccine anthem.
    • Corona survivors could be roped in to emphasise the importance of protection.
    • Print, electronic media and social media should be involved to drive home the need for converting vaccine hesitancy into vaccine envy.