COVID-19 vaccine: 4 things government must do to ensure the public takes the jab
Ghana received the first batch of the coronavirus vaccine on Thursday, February 22, 2021, at the Kotoka International Airport on an Emirates Airlines cargo, EK787.
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Before the arrival of the vaccines into the country most people had formed some preconceived ideas about the vaccine.
According to many conspiracy theorists, the vaccine was going to alter one's DNA and also make one impotent.
Source: Facebook
In President Akufo-Addo's 24th address to the nation on the COVID-19 measures, he mentioned that most people hold the view that the vaccine had been created by the whites to wipe out the African race.
In his address, he encouraged others to come out in their numbers to get the jab when it is time.
Before this vaccine is administered to the general public, YEN.com.gh suggests some four things government must do to ensure that the public agree to taking the jab.
1. Intensive public education
The National Commission on Civic Education must put in extra effort to ensure that they are doing a lot of public sensitisation to dispel certain thoughts people have about the vaccine.
The ministry of information vans also have to ensure that they visit the remotest parts of the country to educate them on the need to take the vaccine without any fear.
2. Opinion leaders and Traditional rulers
Government must ensure that opinion leaders and traditional leaders in various communities are engaged to explain things and clarify some misconceptions about the vaccine.
Since opinion leaders are known to have a great influence on those who look up to them, their opinions on the vaccine might matter when they explain things to their people better.
Traditional leaders are also to be engaged in the discussion to ensure that they issue a directive for all their subordinates and townsfolks to take the jab.
3. Public jab in constituencies
Government must ensure that Members of Parliament in the various constituencies take the jab in their constituencies or publicly for their constituents to see.
As the saying goes, seeing is believing, people would be encouraged to take the jab if they see their legislator publicly taking the jab.
4. Testimonials
Testimonials are important when it comes to making a move.
Government should take the step to ensure that people who have taken their shot share their testimonies about their general well-being after they took the shot.
Men especially should be encouraged to share their experience with regards to their sexual health and performance after the vaccine was administered to them.
Meanwhile, the newly arrived COVID-19 vaccines will be deployed to designated health facilities from March 2, 2021.
From 2nd March, the COVID-19 vaccines will be deployed to health facilities and designated centres in these geographical regions .
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Source: YEN.com.gh
