Explained: COVID-19 vaccines and the various controversies surrounding it
In President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo's 23rd address to the nation on measures taken to combat the novel coronavirus on Sunday, January 31, 2021, he said the government was working assiduously to get over 17 million vaccines to Ghanaians.
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He mentioned that the government is working with the Food and Drugs Authority to grant emergency-use-authorization for each vaccine when it arrives.
Since the first coronavirus case was recorded in Ghana in March 2020, most Ghanaians have been looking forward to a solution to the novel coronavirus that changed their lives.
In a bid to cure themselves of the virus or to prevent the virus, most people took to abusing all sort of substances.
Source: UGC
There were news reports of people consuming Dettol, rubbing alcohol and other concoctions just to protect themselves against the coronavirus.
Recently, there have been reports that some people have resorted to consuming hydrogen peroxide to cure COVID.
The Ghana Medical Association on countless occasions have discouraged people from consuming substances harmful to their health.
Scientists and health experts around the world have developed and approved some vaccines as antidote to the virus
However, these vaccines have not been without controversies, as most people have their own preconceived ideas regarding the yet to be administered vaccine.
In this report, YEN.com.gh looks at some of the controversies about the vaccines developed for COVID-19 vaccines and provide answers from credible and trusted health and scientific sources.
First and foremost, there have been questions regarding whether or not the vaccine is meant for everyone. Well, scientist have made it clear that all and sundry has to get a shot of the vaccine in order for the world to be safe.
An assistant director at Duke Global Health Innovation Center, Andrea Taylor, noted explicitly that “this idea that no one is safe until everyone is safe is not just an adage, it is really true.”
Another misconception most people have is whether or not a vaccinated person could still contract COVID-19. The answer is quite obvious as “no vaccine is 100% effective.
The US Center for Disease Control said the makers of coronavirus vaccines are still evaluating whether the shots protect against all infections, or just those that cause symptoms.
Others also ask whether the vaccines have a lifelong immunity or it needs occasional boosters. However, experts recommend two doses of the COVID-19 Vaccines which is expected to provide some form of immunity.
Finally certain people are also concerned about the side effects of the new vaccine. Experts have revealed that there are notable side effects of the COVID-19 vaccines as witnessed in Norway, UK and the US.
They however noted that the side effects were a sign the immune system is kicking into gear, as intended.”
The Director of Health Promotion at the Ghana Health Service (GHS), Dr DaCosta Aboagye has vouched for the safety of the drug.
He encouraged the public not to fret over safety issues concerning vaccines for the coronavirus disease.
According to him, the government is committed to ensuring that all the vaccines it is acquiring will be safe for use locally.
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Source: YEN.com.gh
