In South Africa, the government wants to speed up vaccination against Covid-19. It is preparing to open its vaccination centers for over 18-year-olds. Currently, only 7.2% of the population in this country is vaccinated, which is among the most affected in Africa by the pandemic. And although 72% say they “accept” the vaccine, according to a University of Johannesburg study, some are reluctant.
According to’Johannesburg University study, whites representing 9% of the population of South Africa are the most skeptical of the vaccine. Only half of white adults plan to be vaccinated, compared to 75% of their black compatriots, explains researcher Carin Ruciman.
“The white adult population seems to be much more concerned about the side effects and effectiveness of the vaccine than the other groups,” the researcher states. For example, 52% of white adults say they are worried about side effects, which is twice as much as black adults. Note that this white population also shows their preference for alternative medicines. “
The other dubious group is young people between the ages of 18 and 24, all ethnic groups together. 45% of them say they are unwilling to vaccinate.
Confidence problems Side effects, inefficiency … There is also a confidence problem, for all categories together, emphasizes researcher Narnia Bohler-Muller.
In addition, the press this week revealed that Johnson & Johnson vaccines packaged in South Africa had been exported to Europe, which the country fought against a third wave. “I believe that the latest revelations about the distribution of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will further erode this confidence in the private sector,” said Narnia Bohler-Muller.
Several NGOs are also protesting against South Africa’s exports of anti-Covid vaccines to Europe and the US to the detriment of African countries
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