(This op-ed was originally published by Daily Maverick).

The South African government plans to vaccinate 10% of the population against Covid-19 by April 2021, with ambitions of vaccinating nearly 70% of the country by the end of the year. That goal will be tough to achieve if people are not willing to receive the jab.

Myths circulating about vaccines include that they alter your DNA and can make you infertile. Understandably, these have freaked people out. Just over half the South Africans who responded to a recent poll by global market research firm Ipsos said they would take the needle when the vaccine arrives.

To help bring the pandemic under control, government, public health experts, civil society, community organisers and ordinary citizens who support vaccination efforts need to engage in empathetic, fact-based communication with those who are hesitant about vaccines. The vaccine will save lives. At this time, communication is critical.  

Please read the full article at Daily Maverick.