An Iraqi Shiite cleric's public COVID-19 vaccination has caused hundreds of his followers to head to clinics to get vaccinated, as fear and rumors have stunted Iraq's vaccine rollout among a second wave of infections, the Associated Press reported.
After al-Sadr received his shot, those loyal to him launched a vaccination campaign and urged others to do the same while posting photos of themselves holding posters of al-Sadr as they received their vaccines. Many avoid going to public hospitals altogether. Last month, a massive blaze tore through the coronavirus ward in a Baghdad hospital, killing more than 80 people and injuring dozens. Iraq's Health Minister Hasan al-Tamimi was suspended for alleged negligence, and resigned Tuesday over the incident.
He said it's a positive development when the vaccination of a political or religious figure encourages people to get their shots."But the ideology that is based upon blindly following anyone's decision is a disaster in itself," he said. "There is no clear law to follow," said Rami Amir, 30, who owns a fast food restaurant in Baghdad."I don't want all my staff to be vaccinated because they might have severe side effects or complications," he said, echoing widespread skepticism.
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