After the spreading of the Coronavirus in China, the first positive case was registered in Herat province on February 24, 2020. The positive cases were registered in other provinces as well.
The spreading of this scary virus was alarming and killed many people, but mankind did not give up and started looking for a way to control this virus.
A number of countries have produced several types of vaccines for preventing Coronavirus and after the approval of the international health centres, they allowed to injection of these vaccines, but false rumours have also been published about these vaccines, which caused people to refuse to inject them.
Rumours and false beliefs about the Corona vaccine have caused some people to still not vaccinate themselves. Despite this, many people have been vaccinated and the Ministry of Public Health says that around 12 million people have been vaccinated across the country and the Corona vaccination campaign continues in 17 provinces of the country.
Rumours and beliefs!
Sana, a resident of Khost province, said that she had not been vaccinated against the Coronavirus till a few months ago, because she was afraid of becoming sterile. Then, after she was convinced about the Corona vaccine, inject this vaccine.
She said: “Some people told that the Corona vaccine is very harmful and it is a conspiracy of foreigners to transmit this virus to Afghans. I heard the story of women’s infertility and I was worried about my future. I was afraid that if I receive this vaccine, I will face problems.”
Hina, another resident of Khost said that her family members were afraid of Corona and did not vaccinate due to rumours. But after assurance that it’s not harmful, they felt that they delayed getting the vaccination.
She said: “When I heard about the Corona vaccine, I was very scared and did not want to inject it, but after time passed, some people assured me that it would not cause any problems, then I encouraged my family and they also accepted. We were vaccinated and then we found out about its benefits.”
Ayoub, another resident of Khost province, says that there are rumours that the Coronavirus weakens sexual power and that the person who is vaccinated dies two years later.
“These rumours scared me and I was more afraid of the vaccine than the disease. I do not vaccinate myself yet. Now it is clear that the damage is not as bad as the rumours and those who were vaccinated were not harmed.”
Meanwhile, a female Corona vaccinator, who does not want to be named, says; during the vaccination campaign, some women told her that if they vaccinate, they would not be able to give birth to children and their blood will dry up.
“I have told the clients to get the vaccine, but they say, “We don’t vaccinate ourselves because it kills, causes blood clots and has a lot of risks. So, I have wanted to convince them not to listen to the rumours because the vaccine has its own benefits.”
Rumours still exist!
Killid talked to different people in Khost about health issues and identified rumours that people avoid getting vaccinated. Nazifa is one of those who refused to get the vaccine due to rumours.
She said: “I have seen many girls who are afraid of the Coronavirus and do not get the vaccine. They believe that if they are vaccinated, they may get sick and not give birth to children after marriage.”
Nazifa added: “Those who have fewer children do not vaccinate due to fear of sterility. The wife of my mother’s brother is one of those people who is afraid of the Coronavirus and does not vaccinate.”
Haroon, another resident of Khost province, said: “Corona vaccine causes sexual weakness and vaccinated persons cannot have children.”
Khairullah, another resident of Khost, says about the Corona vaccine: “Last time, I got the Corona vaccine, but this time I did not vaccinate. I am afraid of people’s words because they believe that the Corona vaccine kills, or makes sterile.”
What do health professionals say?
Dr Zahid Amiri, an official of the immunity part in Khost province, says that despite the false beliefs and rumours in the society, so far about 510,814 people have been vaccinated against the Coronavirus in all districts.
The rumours about the Coronavirus are false and Corona vaccine has been approved by the world’s health centres. “The corona vaccine is essential to eliminate the Corona disease. It has been approved and is applicable everywhere.” Dr Amiri said.
Amiri added that vaccination is necessary for those who have chronic diseases and saves them.
He said: “If a person has chronic diseases such as diabetes, blood pressure, breathing problems or breath shortness and their age is over 18 years, they should inject the corona vaccine because it is very important and necessary.”
It is mentionable, that the opinion of Afghanistan’s people about Corona vaccine has become positive, according to health officials, more people may be vaccinated in the next Corona campaign. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Public Health says that after the first person was infected with the coronavirus, more than 180,000 people have been infected with the disease and about 8,000 people have lost their lives.
Translated by: Sadaf Yarmal
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