Affiliations: [a] Department of Sociology, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Institute for Empirical Social Science Research (IESSR), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| [b] School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Institute for Empirical Social Science Research (IESSR), Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, China
| [c] Sohar University, Sohar, Oman
| [d] Government Degree College (GDC) Takht-E-Nasrati, Karak, Pakistan
Correspondence:
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Address for correspondence: Muhammad Miraj, School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Institute for Empirical Social Science Research (IESSR), Xi’an Jiaotong University, 28 Xianning W Rd., Jiaoda Commerce Block, Beilin, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China. E-mails: muhammadmiraj85@yahoo.com; muhammadmiraj85@stu.xjtu.edu.cn.
Abstract: BACKGROUND: Throughout history, the world has faced numerous health challenges and outbreaks, but through the dedication of medical professionals, solutions have been found. Despite this, the emergence of the coronavirus (COVID-19) has presented a new and dangerous threat. Nevertheless, with unwavering commitment, health experts have triumphantly discovered a remedy. OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to examine how religious workers worldwide could contribute positively to ensuring the fair distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, addressing vaccine hesitancy, encouraging people to get vaccinated, and preventing vaccine nationalism. METHOD: Our study employed a refined qualitative content analysis methodology to categorize factual information and pave the way for subsequent policymakers. We meticulously curetted the most trustworthy secondary data sources and utilized them to analyze the study. RESULTS: The content analysis reveals that religious workers played an active role in the global coronavirus vaccination drive by working towards better vaccine distribution, encouraging people to get vaccinated and countering hesitation and nationalism. CONCLUSION: In light of the discoveries, it would be prudent for policymakers to engage religious workers in advancing the cause of public health, regardless of whether the health matters are localized, national, or global in scale. This strategy has the potential to be both alluring and convincing.
Keywords: Vaccine dissemination, public awareness, vaccine denial, vaccine ethnocentricity, COVID-19
