A large number of people in Pakistan is avoiding the COVID-19 vaccine. Are citizens once again victimized by the conspiracies?

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Masses in Pakistan have never well-received any vaccine. While many people have jabbed, there is still a large population that remains unvaccinated. The reason for its failure is the countless conspiracy theories and myths regarding vaccination campaigns.

The anti-vaccine sentiment

In 2011, according to reports, the Hepatitis-B vaccination program launched by the CIA in Abbottabad, Pakistan, was a sham. Moreover, it was believed to be a stealth mission to locate Osama Bin Laden’s hideout. Unfortunately, multiple anti-vaccine drives sprouted as the news surfaced. They were a product of budding extremism in the country.

Later, people were also made to believe that the polio vaccine contained pig fat and caused sterility, dissuading them from getting immunized. In addition, attacks on healthcare workers administering those vaccines reinforced the propaganda.

Steer clear of gossip  

A group of researchers studied the impact of disinformation on vaccination rates. They used data from the Pakistan Social and Living Standards Measurement household survey managed by Pakistan’s Bureau of Statistics. It included electoral data from 2008 as well as data on polio vaccination drives between 2008 and 2013. Radical parties have a strong influence on 23-39% decline across districts. Girls were more affected than boys, with an additional 3% decrease. These misunderstandings led to an increase in polio cases.

Debunking myths regarding the Covid-19 vaccine

It is no surprise that the majority of people are still reluctant to receive this life-saving vaccine. People follow blindly any information available on the internet without verification. In addition, there have been numerous concerns regarding the safety of the vaccine and its effect on fertility. Its unusually rapid development has furthered scepticism. Some have even stated that it could also alter the human DNA and aims to insert a microchip.

The main objective of the COVID-19 vaccine is to offer protection against SARS CoV-2. There is no evidence that the vaccine endangers fertility or pregnancy. Different countries have accelerated their production unanimously. This allows handling the situation earlier than expected. Every dose has certain side effects, but those are signs of a healthy immune response, as expected with any vaccine.

Moral of the story

It is common practice to follow social media these days. However, we must look for credible sources rather than relying on any circulating rumours. We should share the information responsibly and should get vaccinated not just for ourselves but those around us.