Even as data shows the benefits of vaccination against severe Coronavirus infection, we all know someone who is hesitant to take the jab. Before the second wave of the pandemic hit India, I heard from many family members about their resistance towards the vaccine. AstraZeneca (going by the name Covishield) was the main vaccine offered in India at that time and the negative reports around clotting only aggravated fears. I had to really convince my own parents, cousins, uncles and aunts that they must take the jab.
I wrote this blog last year about the need for public health agencies to improve messaging by including success stories, engaging grassroot level organisations as well as celebrities to spread awareness about the benefits of vaccines in combating Covid-19.
Ruchi Hajela 