Vaccine hesitancy amongst the rural population and tribals have been making headlines since inoculation has begun in the country. Many fear getting the more severe disease, some think it will make them infertile while some believe they will die after taking the jab. However, all these are just myths and making them understand the importance of vaccines will be a long journey.
One such vaccine hesitancy case has emerged from Madhya Pradesh which is rather a little funny. A man in Patankalan village of Rajgarh district in Madhya Pradesh climbed a tree and refused to come down because he did not want to take a vaccine against Covid-19. The man, Kanwarlal also took his wife’s Aadhar card so that she also does not get administered with the vaccine.
Kanwarlal remained on treetop until the Covid vaccination camp for the day was completed due to his fear of the vaccine.
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The health department had arrived at the village to conduct a Covid vaccination camp for the villagers and everyone was urged to take the vaccine. Kanwarlal had also arrived at the centre, however, in a bid to evade the vaccine he climbed a tree and refused to take the jab out of fear.
According to reports, Kanwarlal’s wife was ready to take the shot but he took her Aadhar card with him to ensure she remained unvaccinated as well.
Later, on knowing about the incident, Khujner block medical officer Dr Rajiv visited the village to counsel Kanwarlal about the importance of vaccination.
Speaking to India Today, Dr Rajiv said, “After counselling, the man’s fear has been wiped away. Now, the next time a vaccination camp is held in their village, Kanwarlal and his wife will get vaccinated.”
It is to be noted that, on June 21, when India administered over 84 lakh doses in a single day, Madhya Pradesh appeared as the biggest contributor to the mega vaccination drive in the country with 16.93 lakh doses given on that day.
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Kanwarlal’s case makes it clear that vaccine hesitancy amongst villagers and rural population is a major hindrance for successful completion of inoculation drive and a huge challenge fo the state governments.