Myths that bust vaccination drive in Rajkot villages

RAJKOT: Rampant spread of misinformation among the villagers regarding Covid-19 vaccination in Rajkot district has acted a huge barrier in the vaccination drive. Trying to tackle the menace and also bust the myths regarding the jabs, the district administration roped in psychologists of Saurashtra University (SU) to convince villagers to get their vaccines.However, on Sunday the team was left awestruck by the weird replies and excuses the villagers defended themselves with.
Among the many rumours that buzz around village corridors, the one about leaving women infertile is the most common. While visiting the villages of Upleta taluka like Gadha, Harfodi, Hariyasan, Moti Paneli and Kolki, many women from these villages told the team of psychologists that taking the vaccine will offend their gods and they will be cursed with infertility and would be left barren!

Assistant professor of psychology department SU Dhara Doshi said, “There were a few villages where we were told specifically not to enter into these village with the purpose of vaccination. It was very difficult to convince the adamant rural mindset but after our efforts they have at least agreed to consider it. We will continue with our efforts.”