Locals refuse to get jab: Official

THE majority of people in Southern Highlands are not willing to be vaccinated against the Coronavirus (Covid-19), a senior health official says.
Southern Highlands health authority (PHA) director for public health services George Epei said this at a training conducted last week by the Touch The Untouchable (TTU) group which has trained 50 health workers in the province on the Covid-19 and the types of vaccines.
Epei said one way to convince the people the vaccines were good for them was to work with the partners such as the non-government organisations (NGOs).
He said the PHA was working in partnership with NGOs such as Touch The Untouchable, the Oil Search Foundation and others to ensure the Covid-19 vaccines were accepted by the people.
Epei said a recent gathering in Mendi, staged by Oil Search, saw many pastors come forward to get vaccinated which they hoped would help change attitudes.
He said with training, this would also make a difference as health workers were equipped with extra knowledge and skills to advocate for vaccination.
Epei said it took longer to change people’s minds, but with the help of partners, this could be achieved.