Ranchi: The administration is making all possible efforts to improve the turnout at Covid-19 vaccination sites across the state. Registered health workers are being asked to furnish a self-declaration if they are reluctant to get the second dose and officials are also making phone calls to those who have missed their scheduled inoculation. The low turnout of healthcare beneficiaries who have taken the first dose is posing a challenge for the vaccinators as well as the administrators.
Talking to TOI, state head of Integrated Disease Control Program (IDSP) Dr Praveen Karn said: “We are taking all required measures to ensure that the maximum number of people who were given the first dose of the vaccine also take the second shot. Beneficiaries are being intimated about their dates in advance through proper channels and we are also making appeals to them from the state as well as district level so that they do not miss their turn.”
Karn said: “Apart from sending text messages, we have published advertisements requesting the beneficiaries to complete their inoculation cycle. District immunization officials are also contacting beneficiaries to ensure that the coverage graph is maintained.”
Meanwhile, public health experts said the hesitancy is a result of misinformation and behavioural changes among the beneficiaries due to various reasons. Dr Devesh Kumar, public health expert and a professor of community medicine at Rims, said, “The way in which the infection graph has declined in the state, there are various theories floating around like one dose is enough. Those who experienced mild adverse effects in the first session are also reluctant to take the second jab.”
Karn said: “People who experienced adverse effects after their first dose are being called up and are being assured about the safety and efficacy of the vaccine. A dedicated call centre has been established to talk to beneficiaries and are clear their doubts.”
The Ranchi district administration had also asked health care workers to submit a self-declaration in case they didn’t want to take the vaccine. “The move aimed at maintaining data of people who haven’t turned up so that they can be vaccinated at a later stage if they change their mind,” said a senior district administration official in Ranchi.