Strengthening vaccine trust

News: Vaccination is key to returning to normalcy and in curbing the further spread of COVID-19. Now is the time to put extra efforts to boost vaccine confidence among the public.

After the devastating second wave, India has performed well in controlling the spread of Covid. Vaccination, together with face masks and social distancing, have helped India in return to normalcy.

What is India’s vaccination status?

About 78% of the adult population has received one dose and more than 36% has received both doses.

Why we need to make efforts to boost vaccine confidence?

Acceptance of COVID-19 vaccines in India is among the highest in the world. But even small pockets of unvaccinated individuals can threaten the success of the entire immunization campaign. This is especially true of highly transmissible Delta variant of COVID.

Moreover, the misinformation about vaccines can erode vaccine confidence. In 2017-2019, false rumors about the measles-rubella vaccine spread through social media led to vaccine refusals in some areas.

Also, as daily count of cases lessens, the enthusiasm to get vaccinated can subside.

Hence, considerable efforts need to be made to boost vaccine confidence.

What should be done to build confidence?

First, The government should provide authenticated information to help curb the rumors and mis-perceptions.

Second, Promoting vaccination as a default normative behaviour should be encouraged. The messenger used for this should belong to local areas and have public trust. For example a Sarpanch, Doctors and health workers.

What should be the way forward?

The Polio campaign with its tagline’ do Boond Zindagi ki’ was a very successful campaign for polio vaccination. The message was hopeful and appealed to Indians. A strong endorsement from celebrities and the engagement of community leaders propelled the message. The ongoing campaign to vaccinate India requires similar energy.

For instance: A similar campaign launched with support of marketing agency Wieden+Kennedy, Delhi,: “Teeka lagwaya, na?” is a step in the right direction.

Any health emergency requires a multidisciplinary approach. And so, creatives and public health experts must work closely together to bolster vaccine confidence.

Source: This post is based on the article  “Strengthening vaccine trust” published in The Hindu on 8th November 2021.