Over 69,000 take jabs on 1st day of Ranchi's weekend vaccination drive

RANCHI: The first day of the special weekend vaccination drive on Friday achieved 49% of the state’s target, covering a total of 69,410 beneficiaries, out of the targeted 14,26,70 ones.
Of the 69,410 beneficiaries, 49,724 belonged to the 18-44 age group while the rest were those above 45.
With a turnout of 97%, Garhwa topped the chart, giving 6,814 beneficiaries, out of the targeted 7,050 ones, their first jab, followed by East Singhbhum, which achieved 87% of its target. Chatra finished last with 16% while Khunti and Dhanbad’ turnouts stood at 17% and 18%, respectively.
Even though Ranchi administered the highest number of doses throughout the state, it could only cover 44 percent of its total target. Only 10,191 people received their first dose although the state capital’s had set a target of inoculating 23,000 beneficiaries.
Meanwhile, Ranchi became the first district to start the vaccination drive for the third gender and inoculated 14 members from the transgender community on Friday. They were given the jabs at Roshpa Tower where 20 beneficiaries were inoculated.
According to sources at district administration, the members of transgender community had inhibitions about taking the jab which after which Ranchi deputy commissioner Chhavi Ranjan intervened and counselled them regarding the benefits of vaccination, following the around 20 transgenders registered for the drive.
Talking to TOI, Ranjan said: “We are going to make special arrangements for the transgender community as I have been informed that their number is around 4,000 in our district. We are planning a designated CVC for them and if required, we will also provide the mobile vaccine vans if we get a cluster in a specific area.”
Asked how did he convince the transgenders for taking the jab, Ranjan said: “I went ahead and made them understand that the vaccine is completely safe and it is for their own benefit that they take the jabs as soon as possible. I also told them that chief minister Hemant Soren as well senior ministers and people they know, all of them have taken the jab, following which they agreed to take the shot.”