Slow rate

Pakistan’s Covid-19 vaccination rate is one of the lowest in the world. The country received its first batch of vaccine in February and since then it has only been able to fully vaccinate around 3.5 million people (Pakistan has the total population of close to 220 million). Medical experts have said that vaccine hesitancy is one of the major factors that have resulted in the slow vaccination rate. People are hesitant to use vaccines because of conspiracy theories, religious beliefs, fear of side effects, and a lack of awareness. Also, many influential people were able to jump the line and receive the vaccine doses even before they were eligible to get one. Some months ago, a video went viral on social media which showed how a minister’s family and friends were getting vaccinated at the minister’s home.

If these situations continue, Pakistan is likely to face a disastrous situation. There is a dire need to launch media campaigns to encourage people to get vaccinated. Religious leaders and clerics should be asked to create awareness about the advantages of getting vaccinated. The government should also take effective steps to ensure the equitable distribution of the Covid-19 vaccines.

Samrah Imran

Karachi