Covid disinformation makes vaccine push harder – minister
Getting people to vaccinate against diseases is a “more difficult sell” after the widespread misinformation spread during the Covid-19 pandemic, Kim Wilson, the Minister of Health, said as she launched a major inoculations effort.
Ms Wilson was speaking today at the start of an immunisation drive across 40 countries and territories throughout the Americas.
The minister acknowledged there was “some vaccine hesitancy” which she said “was largely driven by incorrect information through social media outlets”.
Referring to the impact of the coronavirus outbreak, Ms Wilson told a press conference: “It is something of a more difficult sell because of, regrettably, some of the false information that’s been circulating on the radios and the byways and through the internet.
“But all we can do is try to counter that by providing proper evidence-based information.
“It is important to reiterate the fact that vaccines do work.
“It is really important for people who have questions to go to trusted sources, such as their physicians.”
Referring to the Vaccination Week in the Americas initiative, the minister said: “I think we are on a good wicket.”
Ms Wilson said that the VWA push would make a special effort to reach individuals who may not have consistent access to health services and people living in urban areas.
She said: “We are continuing with the advancement in reducing the number of vaccine-preventable diseases that have caused death and disabilities to children worldwide, such as measles, rubella, polio, whooping cough and tetanus.
“We are encouraging parents to vaccinate their infants and children according to the Bermuda Childhood Immunisation Schedule.
“We will create a significant recognition of Vaccine Week in the Americas and immunisation to promote vaccination as a productive means of fighting childhood diseases.”
Ms Wilson stressed the importance of inoculations, stating: “Around the region there have been incidents of measles outbreaks, and Bermuda is no exception as we are at risk with more travellers coming to the island.
“To strengthen the uptake and increase confidence in vaccines in Bermuda, the Expanded Programme on Immunisation under the Department of Health will have catch-up clinics at the Victoria Street clinic beginning on Saturday, April 29.
“During our week’s celebration for Vaccination Week in the Americas, we will promote the catch-up clinic and educate the public on the reason for having the measles, mumps, rubella — MMR — vaccine as it is essential for clients and for building up immunity in the community.”
To gain attention to the push, Ms Wilson said there would be a “dancewalk with Bermy Germy” through Hamilton on April 28.
People are being encouraged to take a picture with the character and upload it to social media and tag the Department of Health Bermuda for a chance to win a prize.
A new app is also being launched to provide health information.
Ms Wilson said: “We invite the public to join us in launching HealthyPeopleBda. You can download the app, learn the onboarding process, and learn how to navigate it.
“The first 50 people downloading the app will be entered into a draw for a prize.”
