The Health authorities will begin raising awareness about the vaccination against the COVID-19 among the individuals that have escaped from the war-torn nation arriving in Belgium.
On Tuesday, Brussels health inspectorate named Inge Neven, around 30 of the field agents will be tasked with informing Ukrainians and increasing awareness about the COVID-19 infection.
Neven further mentioned, “They can also be utilized to inform and assist Ukrainians who arrive in Belgium.” The rate of vaccination in Ukraine was quite low, as less than 35 percent of the nation’s population was fully vaccinated before the war began.
Along with this, Belgium already has reception points at Palace 8 where arriving Ukrainians have to register, operated at the Federal level. “We support them with information. Once the Ukrainians register in the municipality, it will become a regional matter, and we can see how we can be of service there,” says Neven.
Moreover, “But this is still under development.”
The microbiologist Emmanuel André stated Monday that the doctors working with the incoming individuals are concerned about the overall health performance and their protection and security against the variant of the COVID-19 variant.
He mentioned, “This is being handled well in Belgium. We know that a large proportion of Ukrainians have not been vaccinated or have not received a booster,” he said. “This also applies to the people who have recently arrived in Belgium.”
However, the microbiologist mentioned, “I hope we can build enough trust among this population to push vaccination. Vaccine doubt is linked to distrust in doctors and governments.” He highlighted that they should be protected because they could get ill, not because they would be importing the virus, as the virus is already in place.
Furthermore, André further asserted, “We have to think about their health. We must not give the indication that we are welcoming refugees with a needle in our hand. Our priority must be to receive them in a healthy environment.”
“That will prevent many infections. The second step is to ensure that they have quick access to care, including access to information on vaccines and testing. The two steps are crucial.”
