The reluctance to take the vaccine shot for COVID-19 amongst many people is a serious cause for alarm. In Britain, youngsters below the age of 30 years have not been enthusiastic about the vaccinations.

A survey by Oxford University revealed that about 25 per cent of the people interviewed had a fear of needles. Hence, they were hesitant to take the jabs.  Even in some African countries, where only two to five per cent are inoculated, there are often vaccines available freely, but there are no takers. Even though booths have been established to vaccinate, there are no queues. The general feeling is that, “I am fine. I do not need the jabs”. Others feel, “I am healthy, COVID cannot touch me.”

Many people have heard stories of after-effects of the vaccines like formation of clots, fever and dizziness. These may have occurred in some cases due to co-morbidities. A sustained educational campaign, in a persuasive style, is required to ensure that people welcome the jabs. Opinion leaders like community and religious leaders, professors, movie and rock stars should lead the vaccination campaigns in Africa.

Governments need to ensure 100 per cent vaccination of their people. Britain is planning vaccination passports for the public to attend football matches and even universities, to incentivise the young to vaccinate. In France, the vaccinations surged only when President Macron told his countrymen that they would need vaccine passports to enter cafes and bars.

The world must not return to the trauma of the lockdowns of 2020 and 2021. The world cannot afford another fire in the house.

Rajendra Aneja — Mumbai, India