Fears Among People In Kuwait To Take Covid-19 Vaccination

10 December 2020 Coronavirus

The response to a questionnaire conducted by Al-Qabas daily on its Twitter account concerning preparation to take COVID-19 vaccine if it arrives in Kuwait came as a surprise, as 46 percent of the respondents refused to take the vaccine. The questionnaire, in which more than 10,000 people of all ages participated, revealed that only 39 percent agreed to receive the expected COVID-19 vaccine, and about 15 percent expressed their disinterest in the matter.

In this regard, a number of doctors reassured that the vaccine is completely safe, as it is based on strict scientific standards and has undergone long clinical trials to ensure there are no risks from taking it.

They explained that the high percentage of those who refuse to take the vaccine can be attributed to their fear of health-related repercussions they may face after receiving the vaccine.

However, this fear is not justified, as no international bodies would approve a vaccine without conducting necessary trials. The effectiveness, safety and assurance on health of all the previous antiviral vaccines were proven before people were vaccinated with them without fear.

According to the infectious diseases consultant Dr Ghanem Al- Hejailan, the prior rejection of the COVID-19 vaccine and their fear of the harmful side-effects of the vaccination is illogical, reports Al-Qabas daily. The origin of this fear was the first vaccination carried out by Dr Edward Jenner, because his invention of smallpox vaccination was attacked as a dirty substance taken from sores that infect cows.

He described vaccines against dangerous diseases as a praiseworthy medical victory, indicating that the modern vaccination for COVID- 19 is based on strict scientific standards following several testing stages and bedside experiments to ensure there are no risks. Dr Al-Hejailan affirmed its effectiveness in protecting against COVID- 19 infection, adding, “The death rate is currently 2.5 percent, and if it continues to infect all 7.8 billion human beings, we will see deaths of up to 200 million people.

The vaccination will not reach Kuwait early, and by that time, millions of people in the developed countries will have received it. The priority will be for people who are most at risk of dying from the disease, such as the elderly and people with chronic diseases, as well as medical personnel and others”. The former director of the Infectious Diseases Hospital Dr Khaled Al-Hassawi said, “Many people know that vaccines for humans are of different quality if we talk about vaccinations against viruses, including deadly viruses, including parts of the external virus. Some people’s fear of vaccination when they say mRna might change the composition of human cells is baseless. I personally believe that we wait until large numbers of people receive the vaccine so that we can monitor the effectiveness and strength of immunity. We can then rely on God”.

Dr Muhammad Al-Maqhawi, a holder of master’s degree in Clinical Studies (pharmacokinetics) urged the public to take the vaccination and not be afraid of its so-called side effects, as long as it obtains the approval of the US Food and Drug Administration. He affirmed that this approval would not be given until the vaccination has been tested on a sufficient segment of patients in three stages, and it was proven that it is safe for their lives, adding that this procedure does not contain any shortcuts in the medical safety and security procedures.

A consultant on internal diseases Dr. Mohammad Al-Mousawi said, “According to the studies submitted by the manufacturers of the vaccine to prevent COVID-19, it seems the vaccine is safe, and its effectiveness ranges between 90 percent and 95 percent. This is considered an excellent rate for beginning the use of the vaccine. Individuals’ fear of getting vaccinated came as a result of their lack of familiarity with the principles and rules involved in the approval of any vaccine.

They are complex steps and contain medical rigor in approving approvals, to ensure the vaccine is safe for individuals. Therefore, there is no need to be afraid of the vaccination.” A number of doctors who own popular Twitter accounts announced their readiness to take the COVID- 19 vaccine in a move to encourage citizens to get vaccinated.

They unanimously agreed that the vaccination has completed all studies and tests required for vaccinations. The doctors affirmed that the vaccination testing was conducted on thousands of individuals from many countries around the world. They indicated that they do not pay attention to rumors that warn against taking the vaccination, as it will make it difficult to confront the pandemic.

 

SOURCE: ARABTIMES KUWAIT

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