COVID-19: Resistance, Constraints In Getting Vaccines


Slide from the workshop, West Region

Some people continue to feel reluctant getting their Covid-19 vaccines, either because of the information they read on several sites or their believes, while other information has it that a few persons willing to get themselves vaccinated cannot get their doses because the dosage is out of reach or stock.

While a handful of other delays in getting vaccinated are caused by the fact that, some persons are still hanging on to the doubts they have about the effects of the vaccine, there is a huge challenge for health personnel and media persons who must debunk this thought.

A few persons have decided to share their thoughts with Civiclens, hoping that the doses needed will be made available and reachable, rather than counteract sensitization with no stock available.

A lady tells a reporter in confidence, based on her observation in a health facility that, "People who were supposed to take 2 dosages of Astra Zeneca, have taken the first one and the 2nd dose is pending or out of reach/stock".

Journalist in Bamenda

Maikem Emmanuela is Station Manager with Ndefcam Radio Bamenda, a health reporter in the Northwest region. She tells Civiclens that there is difficulty in getting the 2nd dose of Astra Zeneca and adds that there is a possibility that there may be a shortage of vaccination cards soon.

"I took my first dose of AstraZeneca before traveling to France. Few weeks after my return, I went for the second dose and was told it will be available in two weeks. I then asked if I can rather take the Johnson vaccine. The medical officer told me, I will have to wait for a month before taking the Johnson since I had taken the first dose of AstraZeneca. Moving around without my complete vaccination makes me feel vulnerable to Covid-19 infection, ” Maikem tells Civiclens.

Journalist in Bamenda

Fomusoh Racheal is a reporter with Observer237 and is affiliated with Rush FM Radio in Bamenda. She believes health care is the priority, taking the vaccine is a necessary thing to do, and encourages others to. She says there are side effects, but confirms she is doing just fine.

"I took the first vaccine after hearing so many after-effects of the vaccine against Covid-19. only AstraZeneca vaccine was available then and I was asked to take 2 doses in an interval of 3 months. I took my first dose of the AstraZeneca and had side effects; headaches, fever, body fatigue, back pain, and little difficulty in breathing."

"I was fine 6 days later. Going for my second dose it was not available and I was then advised to get the Johnson and Johnson vaccine which is just a single dose, and I did. This time around I had no side effects, ” Racheal speaks to Civiclens in Mbouda, West Region.

National Coordinator, CCMN

Rose Obah, the National Coordinator for the Cameroon Community Media Network, CCMN, mentions that she has not had any difficulty getting vaccinated. Rather she was reminded to come for her dose when she lost touch of timing.

"I have taken the 2 doses and I don't have an issue,  I was even called to come and take without looking at the time frame because I was told it will be out of stock, I took it around August."

Saho Raoul, Focal Point Communication for Health NW

Information from the focal point person for communication, Public Health office NWR, Saho Raoul revealed that over 40% of health personels have been vaccinated. 

In the West region, the number of infected cases keeps rising while in the Southwest region health workers are influenced by the information they see and read on several sites online and offline, which makes them reluctant.

Journalist in the West Region

Brenda Kim is broadcaster in the West region. As a media person, she took part in a workshop to produce radio spots and micro programs to best explain some doubts in the minds of those willing to take the vaccine. She is concerned with how the disrupted period of the vaccine is handled, especially if one of the doses is not available.

"If I get the first dose and the 2nd dose is not available, the time frame is compromised...Is it possible to mix up the vaccines by getting the new one or get the first dose againo before proceeding to the 2nd when it is made available".

Deputy Secretary for EPI Program, Cameroon

Njoh Andreas Ateke, Deputy Secretary for the EPI program for Cameroon explains that Cameroon is not at the level of allowing persons to mix the vaccines but that it is possible in other countries.

"Treatment protocol has not changed. Where prevention fails for any reason, we treat. Treatment will carry on depending on the presentation of diagnosis. Gaps on doses depend on the type, for Astra Zeneca give it 6-12 weeks after, it is effective". He explained.

SW Focal Point, following events on Covid-19 Immunization program

Martha Ndiko Ngoe is Chief of Bureau for the Int Vaccination and Travel Medicine. She is the Regional focal point for adverse events following immunization with Covid19. She explains to Civiclens that a survey is ongoing to understand why health personnel within her area are hesitant to the Covid-19 vaccine.

"Health workers still believe in misinformation and disinformation that is found around them, this makes them reluctant to find the right information from credible sites. Some, especially those in the suburbs who do not see cases of Covid-19, do not believe in his existence of the disease not to talk of the vaccine."

According to another opinion from a health worker, who mentioned that "those who say no, say no and force other persons around them to see something wrong with the vaccine".

More information has revealed that over 36% of health workers have been vaccinated across the nation.

"They are hesitant, some still prove hesitant but are the highest vaccinated" Deputy Secretary for EPI Cameroon.


Facilitators at Workshop involving Media persons in the West Region

With the different opinions on the Covid-19 vaccine, as a sensitive element to discuss and sensitize about, the media is charged to give out right information and allow the rational person to decide for themselves.


By Ndefru Melanie
civiclensweb@gmail.com
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