JAIPUR: Covid vaccination drive will be extended to all persons above the age of 45 from April 1 (Thursday). Around 2.09crore citizens aged between 45 and 59 years will be benefitted from the move.
On the eve of expansion of the vaccination drive, health minister Raghu Sharma, while encouraging people aged over 45 years to get the jab said, “I appeal to all those who are above 45 years not to be hesitant as the vaccine has no side-effects and it is safe. After vaccination, according to doctors, wearing of face masks will be necessary because mask is more effective than vaccine. There are people who have tested positive even after getting two doses of vaccines, but their life is not in danger. Vaccines can save life, but infection cannot be prevented, which is why, appropriate Covid-19 behaviour should be followed such as wearing face mask, maintaining social distancing and washing hands frequently.”
From April 1, the health department has a challenging task of vaccinating 2.09 crore beneficiaries who are between 45 and 59 years. “We are taking the help of public representatives in rural areas such as sarpanchs, patwaris and swasthya mitras to encourage the drive,” said Dr Raghuraj Singh, project director (immunization), health department.
The Centre has directed the states to vaccinate the above 45-year population in 14 days. However, the health department officials claimed that it depends on the target beneficiaries who need to be vaccinated. For the purpose, the state government is encouraging them to get the jab.
Officials said till now they had been organizing 2,500 to 3,000 vaccination sessions daily. Now, the drive will be expanded so that people get the vaccine at their nearest vaccination centre. However, the health department might have to manage the drive with limited staff.