OPINION: To vaccinate or not to vaccinate

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Vitriolic debates, some of which degenerate into insults and name calling, rage on social media with respect to covid 19 vaccine hesitancy and rejection. But, as a Trinidad & Tobago based member of The Caribbean Voice pointed out, those who make and implement policies really need to listen to those who have issues with the vaccine and recognize that a lot of it, including the fears, have to do with mental health.

 

Fears are often based on personal issues such as individuals being allergic to certain medications or suffering from certain illnesses. Fears can lead to panic attacks and paranoia. As well, vaccine compulsion often leads to anxiety, depression, and peritraumatic distress as individuals fear serious physical reactions and even death.

 

These fears need to be allayed and language becomes critical in this process, as any mental health practitioner would know. Thus, mental health issues have to be addressed as a prerequisite to these persons becoming amenable to vaccine. And until fears are allayed and mental health issues addressed, until hesitant persons are assured that either they have absolutely nothing to fear or that their allergies and medical issues will be addressed in any vaccine regimen, vaccine mandates will only make matters worse.

 

An August 5th article on the CNN website stated, “There’s a well-documented phenomenon in psychology called the “backfire effect.” Giving people facts disproving their incorrect beliefs can actually reinforce those beliefs. Researchers have observed this phenomenon in the context of political misconceptionsvoting preferences, the decision to vaccinate one’s children and whether to get a flu vaccine oneself. The more people are confronted with facts at odds with their opinions, the stronger they cling to those opinions.

 

And if arguing with facts backfires, you know what backfires even more? Criticizing, blaming and shaming them for being thoughtless, selfish, stupid, ignorant or psychopathic. You can check this yourself: When was the last time you changed your behavior in response to someone blaming or shaming you?“

 

Thus, instead of engaging in debates to nowhere that compound the animosity and disconnect, displaying empathy and curiosity would be the way to go. Walk in the shoes of those who refuse the vaccine, understand their perspectives then seek to  create an environment that makes them feel safe and affirmed. Perhaps too it would be better for those who have taken the vaccine to share their reasons for doing so. For in that sharing other hitherto hesitant individuals may find connections and  reasons for them to also then take the vaccine.

 

Sincerely

Annan Boodram

The Caribbean Voice

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4 COMMENTS

  1. This is a commendable article. This is why the politicians need to step back and allow the medical professionals to be at the front. Most people have learned not to trust politicians, if they say walk, you RUN!

  2. The Vaccine protects you from the Covid-19 Virus up to a point. Vaccinated and Non-Vaccinated persons could still get the Virus. However,those so called experts are saying. That those taking the Vaccines would not be as sick as those who did not get the Vaccines. I took the Moderna Vaccine of my own free will. I have never been tested for the Virus. I do not even know if I had the Virus,at any given time. When I am ready to travel any where I would take the Virus Test. Bringing that negative test results along with my Vaccine Certificate with me.See you soon Antigua.

    In my opinion those so called experts are making things up as they go. In regards to the Virus,they are guessing. Could that be one of the reasons. Why some persons are hesitant to take the Vaccines.Just asking !!

  3. Do any of the COVID-19 injections being administered to the public, via Emergency Use Authorization only, actually meet the definition of an vaccine?

  4. It’s all about free will and choice. My body, my choice. It will never be any govt’s choice.

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