A SHOT IN THE ARM

Many people are fearful of the Covid-19 vaccine. This is why it’s safe to have it

- NASIFA SULAIMAN

IT’S the world’s best hope of beating a virus that’s killed two million people, infected 90 million and brought mayhem and misery to a shellshocked planet.

Yet many have indicated they won’t accept the vaccine against Covid-19.

Fears abound: it was developed too fast. It could make me sick. Then there are the conspiracy theories – including one that claims a microchip could be inserted in your body with the jab that will allow Microsoft founder Bill Gates to track you.

It’s simply not true, of course – but authorities face an uphill battle getting people to believe the vaccine is safe. Only about half (53%) of South Africans indicated they would have the vaccine when it becomes available here, a recent Ipsos survey found.

All the misinformation out there is fuelling the fear, says Professor Rose Burnett, head of the South African Vaccination and Immunisation Centre in the Department of Virology at the Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University in Pretoria.

“Indiscriminate use of social media has made misleading information and conspiracy theories about Covid-19 go viral,” she adds. “The public is overwhelmed by anxiety and uncertainty and don’t know who to trust.”