Health units say one of the main reasons the youth is hesitant to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is false claims over health issues arising later after getting a vaccine that was produced in a short period of time.
Health units said vaccines have been produced in the past to control several infectious diseases and such diseases have been controlled through vaccinations, adding groups spreading false claims were observed during such times as well.
Speaking during a media briefing at the Department of Government Information Professor of Community Medicine at the Faculty of Medicine of the University of Colombo Dr. Manuj Weerasinghe said vaccinations have proven to be a decisive factor against infectious diseases over time.
He noted various false claims are being spread over vaccines containing harmful substances, the vaccine being ineffective and carried out to suppress the East.
Dr. Weerasinghe called for factions to refrain from using vaccinations for their own personal agenda as it is the most powerful tool to save lives.
He urged the public to obtain the COVID-19 vaccine they can get, without being deceived by false claims.
Joining the media briefing Director of the Family Health Bureau of the Ministry of Health, Community Medicine Specialist Dr. Chithramalee De Silva said the youth has undue fear over a negative impact on reproductive health through vaccinations based on various myths.
She added there is no connection between complications in reproductive health and the vaccine. Dr. De Silva said such claims have spread fast, adding however it has no scientific basis.
Dr. Chithramalee De Silva added the youth need not create undue fear over vaccinations.
