Strong leadership key to getting more vaccine-hesitant people vaccinated, Sask. experts say
Global News
Over the past month, total number of fully vaccinated people in Saskatchewan is up by 7 percent but many believe vaccination rates could be higher across the province.
A steady stream of people poured into the International Trade Centre in Regina on Wednesday.
Some lined up to get booster shots, some to get a third shot to make travel easier while restrictions are still in place, and others to get their first shot of the vaccine.
As we fight the fourth wave of COVID-19, political leaders continue urging those who are vaccine hesitant to get the shot.
Over the past 30 days, the total number of people fully vaccinated in Saskatchewan is up by 7 per cent.
Current COVID-19 restrictions and health measures seem to be working, but vaccination rates could be higher across Saskatchewan.
Some political experts say that for numbers to continue trending upward, trusted communication from leaders within the community is key to getting more of the unvaccinated population vaccinated.
Pamela Downe, University of Saskatchewan medical anthropology professor, says, “When leaders insert themselves and are accepted as a central part of society, they can make all kinds of changes and influential moments forward.”
“When that one leader, when that one person who people trust begins to role-model the ways in which we can move out of the pandemic, or recover from a natural disaster, or whatever the occasion may be, you can definitely see that trickle-down effect.”