About That Jab . . .

Here’s how to navigate those difficult discussions with loved ones who are reluctant to get the Covid-19 vaccine

- Kim Arendse

SHE’S been forced to cull people from her inner circle who refuse to get the vaccine. It’s a shame, Jennifer Aniston says, but she doesn’t have time for people “who are anti-vaxxers or just don’t listen to the facts”.

“I’ve lost people who have refused to be vaccinated or haven’t disclosed whether or not they have been vaccinated and it’s unfortunate,” she says in a new interview with InStyle.

“It’s tricky because everyone is entitled to their opinion – but a lot of opinions don’t feel based in anything except fear and propaganda.”

When someone questioned why she’s worried if she herself is vaccinated, Jen responded: “Because if you have the variant, you are still able to give it to me. I may get slightly sick but I will not be admitted to a hospital and or die. But I can give it to someone who does not have the vaccine and whose health is compromised (or has a previous existing condition) – and therefore would put their lives at risk. That is why I worry. We have to care about more than just ourselves.”

Jen’s stance may be a bit my-way-or-the-highway, but she’s highlighted an important issue: how do you have a vaccine conversation with someone whose view differs from yours?

Vaccines are being hailed by scientists as the best way to halt Covid’s killing spree yet all over the world people remain fearful and distrustful of the jab.

South Africa is no exception. One in four people are hesitant to get their shots, while one in 15 are strongly opposed, a Coronavirus Rapid Mobile Survey has shown. To those first in line for their jab, the reluctance of others can be frustrating – especially when it comes to people close to us.