The United Nations children’s fund (UNICEF) South Africa has called for more campaigns to encourage young people to get the COVID-19 vaccine.
In a report, the United Nations children’s fund says 55% of young people have expressed their willingness to take the jabs.
At least 37% of the youth believe that television and radio are the most trusted sources of accurate information on vaccines.
Currently, government is vaccinating people aged 18 years and older.
UNICEF Representative in South Africa, Christine Muhigana says social media is important for communicating the importance of getting the jab to young people.
“We need to do more campaigns with the right people, with media, with health workers. With the AU, TikTok and One Campaign. We launched Myth or Facts which includes using quizzes and we engage in live sessions with people so they can interact with celebrities and health experts through media to make sure that the dialogue around the safety and efficacy and how to deal with side effects is discussed in a good manner,” says Muhigana.
VIDEO: Full interview with Christine Muhigana below
Lack of information
Psychologists say vaccine hesitancy stems from several factors including a lack of information.
According to the Health Department, more than 5 million people in South Africa have been fully vaccinated so far.
Psychologist Lerato Motsalane-Wana says more needs to be done to address vaccine hesitancy in the country.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy remains a headache in Gauteng:
Last month, anti-vaccine demonstrators stage a protest outside Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town:
