. . . Covid vaccine myths debunked

a Covid-19 vaccination rollout programme.

The vaccine, we were told, reduced the effects or impact of coronavirus.

But again, hesitancy creeped in as the vaccine rollout programme began. Who can blame me?

As usual, social media was awash with all sorts of theories –most of them which later turned out to be nothing but lies.

Social media theories claimed that those who took the jab would die within a year while others wrongly reported that the vaccine made people infertile.

Some churches and traditional healers also played a part in discouraging people from being vaccinated. Naturally, several people were left at crossroads.

To get, or not get vaccinated became the question. But Government remained vigilant and helped us through.

To guarantee productivity and return to normalcy, the State announced that all essential staff was to be prioritised in the vaccination process. The success of the initial stages of the programme became an eye-opener for many. It is then that I, together with many other people, realised that the vaccine was good and meant to save lives.

This coupled with awareness programmes, led by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, on radio, television and newspapers among other channels resulted in many people understanding the need for the jab.

Thank God I have never tested positive to Covid-19 thus far.

It was by the grace of the Lord and getting vaccinated up to the third dose that I stayed safe. I am patiently waiting for the next dose(s).

A snap survey I did confirmed I was not the only one scared.

“I had fear of the unknown. I was pregnant. What if the vaccine would have led me to bore a deformed child,” quizzed Mary Musarurwa from Manyame Low density suburb?

Her concerns were later proved to be misplaced though.

The vaccine had been approved by top scientists and pregnant women that took the shot went on to deliver healthy and bouncing babies. Others like Madzimai Stella Tsorokoto of Johanne Masowe Chishanu were held back by religion.

They had to pray and fast for days in order for them to do the noble thing.

“As a prophetess, I had to seek divine answers. I prayed and eventually got vaccinated,” she said.

“As a church leader I have never stopped anyone from being vaccinated. I actually encouraged them to pray and fast before vaccination as was instructed to me by the holy spirit.”

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