Vaccine reluctance in Eastern Europe brings high COVID cost

[Eugene]

Source: Associated Press

Vaccine reluctance in Eastern Europe brings high COVID cost

By YURAS KARMANAU
October 28, 2021

KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Truck driver Andriy Melnik never took the coronavirus seriously. With a friend, he bought a fake vaccination certificate so his travel documents would appear in order when he hauled cargo to other parts of Europe.

His view changed after the friend caught COVID-19 and ended up in an intensive care unit on a ventilator.

“It’s not a tall tale. I see that this disease kills, and strong immunity wouldn’t be enough -- only a vaccine can offer protection,” said Melnik, 42, as he waited in Kyiv to get his shot. “I’m really scared and I’m pleading with doctors to help me correct my mistake.”

Ukraine is suffering through a surge in coronavirus infections, along with other parts of Eastern Europe and Russia. While vaccines are plentiful, there is a widespread reluctance to get them in many countries — though notable exceptions include the Baltic nations, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Hungary.

The slow pace of vaccinations in Eastern Europe is rooted in several factors, including public distrust and past experience with other vaccines, said Catherine Smallwood, the World Health Organization’s Europe COVID-19 incident manager.

-snip-

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/coronavirus-pandemic-health-religion-europe-eastern-europe-2c9668cdc75b37ed140345405fcc3f54

[SoCalDavidS]

1. Turns Out It's Not A "Tall Tale"

Despite what you might have heard to the contrary, people really are getting hospitalized and dying from Covid.

I suppose I'm glad to see these people coming around to reality, but it's so depressing that they won't believe reality, until it impacts their lives or the life of someone the know.

Of course, even that's no guarantee, and some STILL won't believe reality, even after it kicks them in the Ass.