Thomson Reuters Foundation,The New York Times
Published: 30 Apr 2021 07:09 PM BdST
Updated: 30 Apr 2021 07:09 PM BdST A bus passes Oxford Circus tube station in London, Britain Apr 25, 2021. REUTERS
When Anver Patel got an invite to book his second COVID-19 vaccination from a chat group linked to his local mosque, he wondered whether it was wise to go ahead during Ramadan. );
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He was worried that side-effects from the vaccine would force him to take painkillers - which are not allowed while fasting during the holy month of Ramadan, when Muslims do not eat, drink or take oral medication between dawn and sunset.
As the COVID-19 vaccine roll-out continues to gain momentum, Facebook is looking to use its reach to promote vaccine information to the most impacted communities, with a specific focus on those that may have limited exposure to vaccine info.
First off, Facebook is donating $5 million to Go Give One, a COVID-19 fundraising campaign created by the World Health Organization Foundation.
As explained by Facebook: The campaign calls on everyone to play their part in helping to vaccinate the world, with the money raised going to an international fund called COVAX (COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access). We’ll do this by donating the first $20 into Facebook Fundraisers created for the United Nations Foundation beginning April 28 in the United States, United Kingdom, Germany and Norway.
Apr 28, 2021 11:06 EDT with 14 comments
Facebook has announced that it’s donating $5 million towards the Go Give One fundraising campaign established by the World Health Organization Foundation. The money will go towards the COVID-19 Vaccines Global Access (COVAX) mechanism which is helping to distribute COVID-19 vaccines around the world equitably.
While increased vaccine production and increased funding to buy vaccines will help enormously to ensure that everyone can get a vaccine, there are still communities in wealthy countries that are resistant to getting a vaccine due to their perception of the vaccine or misinformation that they have heard about it from friends, family, or online.
Twilight clinic at Leicester mosque during Ramadan to make it easier for people to get Covid vaccine
The clinic will invite people to get their first jab without the need for an appointment
Updated
The clinic will invite people to get their first jab without the need for an appointment (Image: Leicester Mercury / Chris Gordon)
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How can the vaccines be safe when theyâve been developed so quickly?
âThis is by far the biggest concern expressed by my patients,â says Dr Farzana Hussain, who has a GP surgery in east London. âCovid-19 is a serious global pandemic, so more scientists have worked on the vaccine with greater financial investment. Also, Covid-19 vaccine trials involved the same rigorous testing.â
What about potential long-term side effects?
Generally speaking, the side-effects of other vaccines usually occur within a week or so of receiving the jab, rather than months or years later. âIf you develop side effects it demonstrates your immune system is responding to the vaccine,â says Hussain. âItâs about [weighing up] risks and benefits,â she says. âNot taking the vaccine could leave you more at risk of getting Covid-19, and becoming seriously ill with it.â