NEW DELHI: With those above 45 years set to take the Covid-19 vaccines from Thursday, district authorities are scaling up the
vaccination sites. They are also coming up with new plans to create awareness among the beneficiaries.
For the past few days, a group of youngsters in crimson kurtas with a dafli (tambourine) in hand has been travelling through the narrow lanes of some of the most congested residential areas of the Central district to spread awareness about the vaccination process through
nukkad nataks (street plays).
The awareness strategy, however, differs from one area to another. While nukkad natak would be extremely eye-catching in a thickly populated area, it might not find enough audience in a sprawling, upscale residential colony.
“Our strategy is awareness through LED screens and two LEDs — one in Greater Kailash-II M Block and another in Lajpat Nagar— have already come up. The LEDs are showing IEC (information, education and communication) graphics continuously,” said Vishwendra, district magistrate (South East).
He said, while the district had about 18 government vaccine centres, six more have been added and four more would come up by next Saturday. The Central district will have 28 government vaccination centres, and while currently the percentage of vaccination is 69%, the administration is aiming for 100% soon.
A South district official said, while 7,400 vaccinations were being carried out every day, the number would go up to 9,000 soon with inoculation of those above 45 years beginning from Thursday. “From Wednesday, we are planning to target offices, banks, market places, commercial complexes, etc., as a lot of people older than 45 years come to such locations for work,” the official said.