Covid-19 vaccination: Seven districts in Karnataka have covered 50% of target population with second dose

BENGALURU: Seven districts in the state have fully vaccinated (both doses) at least 50% of their target population with Bengaluru Urban leading with a second-dose coverage of 68%. Ramanagara, BBMP (both 54%) and Kolar (51%) follow, while Udupi, Kodagu and Chikkaballapur districts have inoculated half (50%) of their eligible populations.
Across Karnataka, 44% of the target population has accessed the second dose, with more than 2.1 crore of the nearly 4.9 crore adult population (above 18 years) taking both doses. However, 13 districts lag. Haveri 29% brings up the rear, with Raichur (31%) and Kalaburagi (32%) just above it.
In Bengaluru Urban, a tad over 7 lakh (or 68%) of the estimated eligible population of 10.3 lakh people have been fully vaccinated. Incidentally, the district has covered 118% of the population – including people from elsewhere and the floating population – with the first dose.
A district health officer (DHO) said supply issues in June and July – when the drive was opened for all above 18 years – hurt coverage. As a result, the DHO said, most first-dose beneficiaries (Covishield) are not yet due for the second dose.
“Supply of vaccine vials the first dose itself was an issue till July in some hinterland districts,” the DHO said. “Initially, the focus was on districts with a high Covid caseload, and this meant people in some districts had to wait for the first dose. Coverage picked up only in August with the Lasika drive.”
Another reason for the low coverage, officials working on the ground say, is that beneficiaries in rural pockets are hesitant to take the second dose now that cases have declined. Also, the experience of minor side effects like fever and body pain after the first dose has made them even more hesitant.
Countrywide issue
The slow pace of second dose vaccination is a feature across the country and the issue was discussed at a meeting held by the government of India with all states on Saturday. Dr Arundhathi Chandrashekar, mission director, National Health Mission, Karnataka, said the department has begun proactively seeking out those who are eligible for the second dose but have not taken it yet.
“We have a list of all those who are due for the second dose,” Dr Arundhathi said. “Healthcare workers are calling them to check why they haven’t taken it. In some cases, people say they have taken the second dose, but it does not reflect on Co-Win. These possible glitches are being looked into.”
Besides, a door-to-door survey aimed at vaccinating those who haven’t taken the first dose yet, will also show those who are awaiting or have skipped the second dose, she said.
D Randeep, health commissioner, said the chief secretary has directed all secretaries in charge of districts to visit their districts and review second-dose coverage. They have also been asked to take measures to step up the drive.
“We have hit a few vaccine-hesitant pockets,” Randeep said. “Last mile coverage requires time and energy as teams have to reach out and administer the dose. Over the past two weeks, due to festivals and public holidays, the turnout at vaccination centres was low but that should improve now.”
It may be recalled that the state Covid-19 Technical Advisory Committee had recommended that the government reduce the interval between doses of Covishield from the present minimum of 84 days (12 weeks) to 4-6 weeks. This was escalated by the state to the Centre, but the central government decided on status-quo for now.