Shades OffWho can convince sceptical Hongkongers to get vaccinated?

Too few people are coming forward for the vaccines, whether out of low trust, a lack or urgency or ineffective government messaging

There is a dearth of apolitical stars with mass appeal who can be counted on to convincingly help promote immunisation in this divided city

3-MIN READ3-MIN

People get ready to receive the BioNTech vaccine at a community vaccination centre at the Hiu Kwong Street Sports Centre in Kwun Tong on March 16. Photo: May Tse

Published: 6:45am, 23 Mar 2021Updated: 6:45am, 23 Mar 2021

Today, I get my first Covid-19 vaccine jab. Unlike many others in Hong Kong, I have no qualms about pulling up my sleeve and getting immunised. I don’t know what sort of reaction I will have, nor do I especially care.

What is important is that life for me and this city can get back to pre-pandemic normalcy. Besides, I have for inspiration an 80-plus-year-old acquaintance who is a staunch advocate of vaccination.

Not enough Hong Kong people are coming forward for free vaccines. They either don’t trust what the government is telling them about safety, see no urgency in getting a jab when it could be months before there is a substantial change in restrictions or are unconvinced by a campaign that is dry, dull and difficult to digest.

I appreciate the challenge. There is no one with enough mass appeal who can be counted on to convincingly help promote immunisation, particularly as the city has become so divided along pro-Beijing blue and pro-democracy yellow lines.

There are a few names I could suggest – a snooker player, a boxer and some feng shui masters – but I don’t know if any would be willing to be associated with the effort. None are of the calibre of internationally renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma, who is among the celebrities turning out to aid their country’s vaccination effort.

Whether Hong Kong people would be convinced to get a jab based on what a celebrity says is one issue. There were any number of film stars or singers and a smattering of athletes two or three decades ago who were respected and had a wide following that authorities could count on to promote matters of community interest.