EL ALTO, Bolivia — Bolivia’s immunization drive against COVID-19 is being hit by anti-vaccine misinformation that is stoking skepticism and leaving inoculation centers half empty, a challenge for the government facing a wave of new infections. They blame fake news campaigns that have included leaflets saying vaccines contain “satanic” material. ADVERTISEMENT“We read some pamphlets in El Alto from anti-vaccine groups about the presence of a substance in the vaccines from Lucifer and because of that the vaccines were satanic,” said Maria Rene Castro, deputy minister of epidemiology. “I don’t want to get vaccinated, I don’t want to die and I don’t want to get sick,” said El Alto resident Rogelio Mayta. “For me, the COVID-19 vaccine is not credible,” said Ismael Blanco on the dusty narrow streets of the highland city.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer May 20, 2021 20:15 UTC