In Senegal, health authorities have to face skepticism from some sections of the population. Since the start of the campaign in late February, they have first administered the Chinese Sinopharm vaccine, followed by the doses of AstraZenecan as part of the global Covax initiative. But despite easy access, there are not many in the vaccination center.
From our Dakar correspondent,
Abdou * Diakhaté, 47, knocks on his phone. On social networks, he sees all kinds of messages or videos about the vaccine. “People tend to speak negatively about it. Sometimes we publish videos that say that the vaccine is not good, because if you get the vaccine you will get sick or have other side effects. Maybe it’s assembly or something like that … ”he said doubtfully.
False information that encrypts the message, believes his neighbor Pope Diome. “Social networks say things that are contradictory every time. A shot is good, a shot is not good … It is the communication that is missing, “he regrets.
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Limited usefulness of certain vaccines before variants
However, the health service is increasing the talk of being vaccinated. But Dieudonné Kandéti, he is still suspicious since the temporary suspension of the AstraZeneca vaccine by several European countries last month. “I’m not sure about the AstraZeneca vaccine. I’m not saying it’s not good, but I’m hesitant. For the others, I am ready for it, he admits.
The 20-year-old student will not be vaccinated: she points out the limited usefulness of certain vaccines before variants. “You often hear rumors that it is not so effective. It does not suit me. “
Raise awareness over and over again
In addition to mistrust, there are religious reasons. Although several Muslim officials point out that vaccination is compatible with Ramadan quickly. All kinds of arguments that caregivers try to meet.
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For Ndèye Ndack Diallo, who is responsible for vaccination at Ngor’s health center, we need to raise awareness again and again. “I had caught Covid-19, that’s why I’m raising awareness. Everyone must be involved. The role of society is important: badiénou gokh (neighborhood mothers), city delegates and imams as well. We all involve, it comes, inch’Allah “, hopes Ndèye Ndack Diallo.
” I was scared… “
Fatou Mbodj Ndiaye has just been vaccinated. Only reluctantly did she finally change. “At first I did not want to be vaccinated. We heard that the vaccine was not good for our health, that we could no longer get pregnant. I was scared, she admits. Then she adds: “I talked to a friend of my husband. He was a doctor who is now a pharmacist. He convinced and reassured me. Prevention is better than cure, as Covid-19 kills quickly. “
Faced with skepticism, health officials say – on condition of anonymity – that they fear “the consequent loss of doses of the vaccine”.
* First name changed
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