Brazilian President Bolsonaro, who had COVID, has no intention of getting vaccinated
Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro doesn’t intend to get vaccinated for coronavirus, despite having suffered from the virus himself earlier this year.
“I tell you; I will not take [any vaccine]. It is my right and I am sure that Congress will not create difficulties for whoever doesn’t want to take a vaccine,” the controversial leader, who contracted COVID-19 in July, said Thursday night, The Associated Press reported.
The politician’s remarks sparked health experts’ concerns that vaccine makers might not want to work with local authorities, particularly as a vaccine is crucial to eventually ending the pandemic.
Despite his own personal feelings toward inoculation, Bolsonaro insisted any vaccine certified by the South American country’s health agency will be available to the public free of charge.
Populations can safely stop social distancing if at least 75% of people are vaccinated with a shot that’s over 70% effective, according to a study published in mid-July in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.
Recent tests have shown even more optimistic results, with the vaccines produced by both Moderna and Pfizer each showing over 90% effectiveness.
With News Wire Services
