We continue to make our way through the current COVID-19 pandemic with community restrictions, health protection strategies, and healthy prevention recommendations all while the new vaccines are distributed to help stem the tide of the virus. Vaccine confidence and hesitancy is a concern with many people as the trust for the speedy vaccine creation and the fear of the unknown along with COVID-19 fatigue all play a roll.
Belize is receiving its first round of vaccines to distribute to the citizens in a phased approach. The Ministry of Health and Wellness Belize has released it strategic plan which is a very well put together roll-out of the vaccine to go along with continued but not as limited restrictions. Stay up to date with their information to know when it is time for you to get your vaccine.
Vaccine confident is composed of the trust that a patient and their families have in recommended vaccines, the providers who administer them, and the processes that led to the vaccine development. Many factors influence vaccine decision-making including social, cultural, political, group, and individual factors. Vaccine hesitancy refers to the delay in the acceptance or refusal of vaccination despite the availability of vaccination services. Vaccine hesitancy is influenced by factors such as complacency, convenience, and confidence. It is important to build your own, your family’s, and your friends’ vaccine confidence.
Ways you can build COVID-19 Vaccine Confidence
- Encourage leaders in your family, community, and organizations to be vaccine champions
- Have discussions about COVID-19 vaccines where people can openly discuss their views and ask questions
- Share key messages that people trust and that promote action
- Covid-19 vaccines are safe and effective
- You may have side effects after vaccination, but these are normal
- It typically takes two weeks after you are fully vaccinated for the body to build protection (immunity) against the virus that causes COVID-19.
- Vaccines will be widely available in the coming months
- People who have been fully vaccinated can start to do some things that they had stopped doing because of the pandemic.
- Help educate people about COVID-19 vaccines, how they are developed and monitored for safety, and how individuals can talk to others about the vaccines.
- When the vaccine is offered to you, make visible your decision to get vaccinated and celebrate it.
Be ready for when it is your time to get vaccinated. Continue to be COVID-19 Safe. Continue to practice health protection by wearing your mask, washing your hands, physical and social distance, and disinfect your home, autos, and other personal belongings. Follow the national and regional guidelines and curfews as we all continue to work through this current pandemic.