The Union Ministry of Health has published an 88-page document that details how information about the Covid-19 vaccine will be disseminated to all people, in all states of the country. “The communication strategy supporting the launch of Covid-19 vaccines in India seeks to disseminate timely, accurate and transparent information on vaccines to alleviate apprehensions about the vaccine, ensure its acceptance and encourage its acceptance. The strategy will also serve to guide communication activities at the national, state and district levels, so that information on Covid-19 vaccines and the vaccination process reaches all people, in all states of the country, ”it reads in the introduction of the document.
The ministry has also identified two types of natural behaviors as vaccines arrive: enthusiasm for vaccines where people can’t wait to get back to their normal lives. and vaccine hesitancy, where people eligible for the first phase vaccination may feel reluctant. Although getting vaccinated is optional, as the ministry previously said, there must be correct knowledge and awareness, the document emphasizes.
This is how the Center plans to communicate about Covid-19 vaccination:
> In addition to social media, mass media, outdoor media, community groups such as gram sabha, the school management committee, NSS, Scouts and Guides will be connected for the dissemination of information. Celebrities, politicians, local celebrities, social media influencers will be asked to do massive campaigns for vaccination.
> The ministry has also created a National Rapid Response Cell for the Media that will check the facts of news and information related to vaccines.
> Community WhatsApp groups will be identified such as school / parent groups, RWA, SHG, etc. to share factual and official brand messages.
> The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will be contacted to communicate with the Indian missions abroad with all relevant information on the vaccination campaign.
> The ministry has also identified the crises that may arise during the vaccination campaign, which include protests / riots as a result of rumors and misinformation, deaths or sudden reactions by AEFI (adverse event post-immunization), pressure from companies, institutes of education that ask for priority, etc. In the document, the ministry has detailed how to address such situations.
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