Age of misinformation: Vaccine hesitancy in Karnataka

Vaccine hesitancy remains a problem in the state, despite officials’ best efforts. Misinformation spreads quickly, especially among those who have access to facts and scientific data. According to a study, 21 lakh people in Karnataka remain unvaccinated, spurred on by rumours about vaccine-related side effects and their efficacy and taking the pandemic too lightly. Nischith N. reports.

Ending the COVID- 19 pandemic requires achieving herd immunity. This is done in two ways, either by previous infection or through vaccines. Despite the prolific research produced around the globe backing the efficacy and safety of the COVID- 19 vaccine, there is growing skepticism around it. There are the anti-vaxxers, who oppose vaccines and are speaking out against governments that deem them mandatory. ‘Vaccine hesitancy’ is another phenomenon, one that health officials in Karnataka have been struggling with as well. It means a delay in acceptance or the refusal to take a vaccine, arising usually around the medical, ethical and legal issues related to them. In rural Karnataka, health officials have their hands full busting vaccine myths and trying to seize every opportunity that presents itself to vaccinate people living in remote pockets.

According to a study conducted here in the state, the young adult population and those above the age of 60 are less likely to be vaccinated. The data says that 15 lakh people aged between 18-44 and six lakh people over the age of 60 have not taken the vaccination across Karnataka. The study delves into the reasons for vaccine hesitancy and the myths and misinformation that continue to prevail across the state.

The demand for the vaccine grew manifold after the devastating second wave, followed by a massive rollout in the country.

However, there were those who hesitated, despite having been affected by COVID-19, due to the misinformation doing the rounds. “Misinformation about vaccination is a major problem and is the reason why there are people refusing to take it. Others are simply careless, or unconcerned. This should be addressed immediately because we are now looking at a new variant, Omicron,” said Ganesh, a doctor in a private hospital.

Supply-side problems have been discussed at length, including a shortage of vaccines, lack of infrastructure, logistics and equitable access. The demandside barriers, however, were fuelled by lack of trust, the fear of side-effects and concerns regarding the overall safety and efficacy of the vaccines. ‘Vaccine hesitancy’ was recognised by the World Health Organization even before the emergence of COVID-19, as one of the ten leading threats to global health. In India, this is being realised, with misguided hesitancy and an abundance of misinformation about vaccines have posed a significant barrier to achieving herd immunity.

According to reports, Karnataka was in first place, with 96 percent of the population taking their first dose. Karnataka has an adult population of 4.83 crore and it was said that 4.68 crore have taken at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. However, some 21 lakh people have stayed away. Out of this 21 lakh, some 15 lakh are between the ages of 18 and 44, while the remaining six lakh are over the age of sixty. People between the ages of 45 and 59 appear to be fully vaccinated.

Senior officials from the State Health Department said that “Experts have recommended making vaccines compulsory. However, we cannot implement this as it will bring a bad name to the government. Instead, we will motivate people to come forward and get vaccinated, as it is in their own best interest to do so. As of now, health personnel are going door-todoor in rural and in urban areas, under the ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ programme to motivate people to get vaccinated against COVID-19. This will be sorted out fast.”

Middle aged are fully vaccinated

The study says that Karnataka has 1.12 crore people between the ages of 45 to 59. According to the study’s findings, 100 percent of this demographic has received the first dose and 75 percent have taken the second. It is also claimed that 1.33 lakh health workers have not taken the vaccination.

“The lack of trust in the safety and efficacy of newly developed vaccines, the fear of side-effects and rumours like the vaccine causing infertility or death have been major reasons for vaccine hesitancy,” says Dr Vikas M, an Anesthesiologist from Bengaluru, who takes care of Covid patients. “Then there’s the inconvience around registration and booking slots, low-risk perception from COVID-19 and the absence of incentives for rural and urban poor. However, the government should act on this for these people can turn into superspreaders of the new variant.”

Overcoming Covid-19 vaccine h