Photo: Lebogang Mashile / Twitter
Photo: Lebogang Mashile / Twitter
The secret to a successful immunisation programme is, according to some health authorities, to ensure you use the right hashtags and upload a few selfies for the ‘gram. There’s been something of a backlash on Wednesday, after so-called ‘vaccine influencers’ revealed that they were receiving their jabs ahead of other priority groups.
Lebogang Mashile, a huge name in the South African mediascape, was up early to get her vaccine in Johannesburg today. Alongside a set of promotional material, the hugely influential figure also chartered her ‘journey to the jab’ – and will be posting updates in the days following her inoculation.
I was very impressed by the level of care put into explaining the vaccination process to me by the health care workers. I was shown the vaccine, the batch number, and the expiry date. They also did a wonderful job at explaining the possible side effects that I could experience. pic.twitter.com/LGvv5dAgKP
— Lebogang Mashile (@lebomashile) May 12, 2021
“I woke up before dawn to head to Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto to get a vaccine along with frontline healthcare workers. I am here to share my experiences and raise awareness about the process. For those asking how I qualified: I have been working with the African Alliance on how to use social media to motivate people to get vaccinated.”
“African Alliance has been working tirelessly for the past year to ensure that marginalized people in SA get access to vaccines. These are the people who have been fighting to make sure that the same people who have had their bodies used in vaccine trials in this country, namely poor Black people, are able to get the vaccine.”
Lebogang Mashile
There may be merits to this approach. A new survey shows that almost 30% of South Africans are doubtful about getting their shots. It’s hoped that vaccine influencers can use their considerable sway to change a few minds on this one. However, there is an issue of morality at stake – with several ‘netizens’ noting the hypocrisy of such a campaign:
We actually don’t need vaccine influencers right now lol. We need the vaccine. People aren’t not getting vaccinated because we aren’t influenced… we’re not getting vaccinated coz the government isn’t doing its job!
— Lesego Tlhabi (@LesegoTlhabi) May 12, 2021
Dear whoever is giving out vaccines to influencers.
— Mojak Lehoko (@mojaklehoko) May 12, 2021
I used to rap in high school
And my ice cool
Holler ????????
Do we really need “vaccine influencers?” When at this stage a majority of people are already crying for a vaccine?
— Vuyo Mkize (@vonchy_19) May 12, 2021