Virologist: Political Parties in Serbia Not Actively Promoting Anti-COVID-19 Vaccination

BETAPHOTO/DRAGAN GOJIC/EV

Milanko Sekler, a microbiologist and virologist, said that the political parties in Serbia had been very passive when it came to the promotion of the anti-COVID-19 vaccine. He recalled that he had suggested before that they use their influence and urge their voters to get the shots, but that none of the parties answered the call. 

"Moreover, there are a few parties there that are openly displaying antivaxxer stands in order to ensure they have enough votes to get into the parliament in the next elections, at the expense of people's lives. I wouldn't be surprised that their leaders and representatives have all been vaccinated," Sekler said for the Aug. 19 issue of the Danas daily. 

He said he had no idea why the Serbian authorities had not made it mandatory to have proof of vaccination or recovery from COVID-19, or a negative test, in order to attend indoor events or mass outdoor gatherings. 

Sekler believes that the youth should be in focus now, because most of it has not been vaccinated. If it were up to him, he said, he would put mobile vaccination stands in front of the clubs and stadiums, allowing entry to the venues only to those who have received the shots. 

"I'd ensure free testing before vaccination, and [only] those whose results are negative and who've received the shot, could enter. I'm sure that this would increase the number of those vaccinated [against COVID-19]," said Sekler and added that he personally had never liked needles, but that he had agreed to the shot because it was good for him. For the same reason, he explained, one went to the dentist despite it not being a pleasant experience.