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Health24’s final installment of their vaccine information series features Professor Linda-Gail Bekker, a physician-scientist and infectious disease specialist at the University of Cape Town, and co-lead investigator in South Africa’s Sisonke Johnson & Johnson vaccine study.
Bekker delves into vaccine hesitancy, an old concept which has regained attention since the inception and distribution of Covid-19 vaccines.
The theory of vaccine hesitancy refers to those who are not against inoculation but are rather uncertain due to several reasons.
This year’s International Aids Society (IAS) Covid-19 Conference media roundtable featured Professor Bekker alongside Doctor Anthony Fauci. Fauci is the US Director for the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and Chief Medical Advisor in the Biden administration.
When addressing vaccine hesitancy, both Bekker and Fauci clearly stated that time should not be wasted on those who are completely against vaccines.
Fauci said, “There are some hardcore anti-vaxxers that no matter what you say, they won’t change their mind.”
Fauci added that any ideas of unethical behaviour should be put down because there are several authorities, in the forms of safety monitoring and review boards, who would not allow it.
“Once they understand that [unethical behaviour is almost impossible], you could explain the other reasons they’re concerned.
“Did you go too quickly? And then, you explain that it’s wonderful that we have a vaccine 11 months after we’ve identified the virus, but that’s due to scientific advances, not cutting corners or carelessness.
“It’s amazing that when you explain that in a very open way, in a way that’s understanding of their concerns, you can win over a lot of people,” said Fauci.
Episode 1: WATCH | Getting to know: Vaccines – The origins
Episode 2: WATCH | Getting to know: Vaccines – How do they work?
Episode 3: WATCH | Getting to know: Vaccines – Have they been successful over the years?
Episode 4: WATCH | Getting to know: Vaccines – What do we know about Covid-19 jabs?
Episode 5: WATCH | Getting to know: Vaccines – How were Covid-19 jabs developed so fast?
Episode 6: WATCH | Getting to know: Vaccines – Spotlight on Covid-19 variants
Episode 7: WATCH | Getting to know: Vaccines – What we know about side-effects
