Why is it important for people not to refuse the vaccine?

While news of a vaccine breakthrough is something that is applauded, scientists are now fighting the war of conspiracy theorists and anti-vaxxers.

Our very own Keri Miller declared live on air that she is an anti-vaxxer, stating that she does not trust the vaccines.

Virus Hunter and virologist from KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Platform (KRISP) at UKZN, Prof Tulio de Oliveira, was on the show to talk about the importance of taking a vaccine and how it can be beneficial to not just our health, but the economy too.

"Receiving a vaccine or not receiving a vaccine is one's decision and their human right. I think that the challenge is when one refuses the vaccine and a family member gets seriously sick or dies and the guilt one has to live with," he says.

Prof Tulio also added that the vaccine will become available to people who are highly exposed to the virus - healthcare workers and the older generation first, before the whole population gets the opportunity to receive vaccination. As it stands, a survey that was conducted revealed that approximately 70% of South Africans say that they will vaccinate.

More questions answered by Prof Tulio include:

There are three vaccines possibly available for South Africa, what are the pros and cons of each? 

The Oxford Vaccine seems promising, what’s the latest update in terms of the six-month immunity?

KRISP has joined a global network to trace new viruses and is now planning to go look for potential new pathogens on the main melting pot of viruses in South Africa - Why would that be important?

READ: Can we trust COVID-19 vaccines and what about those who refuse to vaccinate?

IMAGE CREDIT:  iStock

Catch up with moments from the latest edition of Darren, Keri, and Sky below: