The government wants to complete the vaccination of the desired elderly people by the end of this month, and more than 80% of the elderly people received the first vaccination.
On the other hand, some people hesitate to inoculate because of anxiety about side reactions, and the volunteer group formed by the residents of the housing complex in Tokyo holds study sessions and counseling sessions to continue efforts to deliver accurate information.
We are working on a group of residents who volunteer in the Hikarigaoka housing complex in Nerima Ward, Tokyo.
In preparation for vaccination, we have regularly invited doctors and government officials to the housing complex to hold study sessions.
We also hold counseling sessions several times a week to make reservations for people who find it difficult to make their own vaccination reservations.
Three people were visiting on the 15th of this month.
Of these, a woman in her 70s was worried about vaccination with the new corona because she had a fever when she received another vaccination two years ago. It is said that it was relieved by receiving it.
The woman said, "Because I am from a familiar area, it is easy to consult, and I was advised to consult a doctor when I received the first vaccination. The first one was completed successfully, and the second appointment was also helped, which is very helpful. I was talking.
Since many people are unable to attend study sessions and counseling sessions due to poor physical condition or physical disability, we are continuing efforts to provide vaccine information, such as by visiting our homes.
On the 13th of this month, we held an eel cooking party before the day of the earthen eel, provided information on the status of vaccine reservations in the ward to the elderly people who gathered, and also eels at the home of the elderly living alone. I delivered and asked if there was an inoculation.
Kenichi Koyama (79), the chairman of the volunteer group, said, "Of the approximately 12,000 households in this complex, about one-third are elderly households. I think it's important. I want people to understand the vaccine correctly and make decisions about vaccination. "
However, it is said that some volunteer group members do not inoculate.
Of these, a woman in her 70s had a heart surgery a few years ago and had asthma due to allergies, and her doctor told her that vaccination with the new corona was okay, but she was worried. It is said that he feels that he is refraining from inoculation.
Also, a woman in her 80s was told by a dentist that she should not get the vaccine.
Another woman in her 70s said, "I'm not good at injections anyway. I have a feeling of what to do if I get infected and cause trouble to the people around me, but I'm careful to prevent infection, so I think it's okay. I was talking.
Last month, a leaflet with incorrect information about the vaccine was posted in the housing complex.
Mr. Koyama feels that anxiety has spread to the elderly living in the housing complex.
Mr. Koyama said, "Some people find it difficult to access accurate information, and many people have anxiety. Since vaccination is at the discretion of the individual, there is no choice but to continue activities to convey the correct information. I think. "
Expert "Need an environment where you can judge"
Professor Yugo Shobukawa of Niigata University Graduate School, who specializes in public health and is a member of the national cluster countermeasures group, said, "I am worried that the vaccine may worsen my illness and I am worried about side reactions. Elderly people who think about it often visit the outpatient department of the hospital where they are providing medical care. If they are infected with the new corona, those who have a chronic disease may become seriously ill. Instead of refraining from vaccination at your discretion, please consult your doctor. "
It is also important to create an environment where elderly people can balance the benefits and risks of vaccines based on the correct information and decide whether or not to inoculate the vaccine, given the flood of various information such as "hoaxes". I was talking.