Nomad Vaccination

Healthcare workers trekked long distances through remote Himalayan terrain in Kashmir to vaccinate nomadic herders who have travelled for centuries between summer mountain pastures and winter grazing grounds in the lowland plains, herding their goats, sheep and horses. The challenge that these healthcare workers faced was not the treacherous terrain but persuading these nomads to get inoculated against the coronavirus. “Everywhere we go, it seems the rumors had arrived before we did, and that makes our job difficult,” said one of the workers. People are hesitant to get vaccinated because of these rumors. And the rumors are plentiful. Fueled by misinformation and mistrust, many of these people, particularly in remote areas, believe the vaccines cause impotence, have serious side effects and can even lead to death. Some simply say they do not need the shots because they are immune to the coronavirus.