As the first batch of vaccines is expected to arrive on Saturday, the Director of the Rafik Hariri University Hospital Dr. Firas Al-Abyad said that: “Despite the high numbers of Daily deaths, including some who are young of age, hesitation in taking the vaccine in Lebanon remains resilient. In a recent survey, only 33 percent of respondents over the age of 65 (High Risk) have shown the desire to take the vaccine. Meanwhile, only 4.5% (296187 people) have registered to receive the vaccine in the past 10 days!”
In a tweet posted on his account today, Wednesday, he added: “Two issues are clear regarding the hesitation in taking the vaccine which are the general lack of confidence and fear of the negative side effects. The vaccination campaign is expected to begin in a few days. Success hinges on broad participation. Low participation will have disastrous consequences. The vaccine can help in various ways, most importantly is its effectiveness in preventing severe complications caused by the viral infection.”
He continued: “This means fewer intensive care patients and fewer deaths. It also means no waiting in emergency rooms, oxygen at home, and less fatigue for workers. Vaccines can also help prevent transmission.”
He pointed out that: “This does not happen with all patients, and vaccines are less effective in doing this than preventing severe disease. Therefore, we will need to take precautions until the disease prevalence is very low. In short, there are some worrying early signs of a vaccination campaign, and time is running out. Anything less than a well-organized campaign will further erode public confidence and derail the entire process.”
Abyad concluded by urging his followers on Twitter to participate in the vaccination campaign by saying: “Others have gone to Mars, Can we try to achieve a successful vaccination campaign?”
