Over 7 lakh above 18-yr yet to get 2nd vax dose

Ludhiana: Amid the threat of fourth wave, there are around 7 lakh people above 18-year-old in the district who are yet to get second dose of vaccine against Covid.
District immunization officer (DIO) Dr Manisha Khanna said, “Around 32 lakh persons in the 18-plus age group have got the first dose and around 23.5 lakh the second. There are around 7 to 8 lakh eligible persons who are yet to get the second dose. We are trying to motivate them to come forward and get themselves inoculated.”

Dr Nayan Jassal, Jagraon ADC who is also the nodal officer for vaccination, said, “A large number of residents are yet to receive the second jab. It seems they believe that Covid-19 has become a thing of the past.”
The health department officials said when they contact the eligible persons, the latter give several reasons for not getting vaccinated on time.
“Some say they have already got the second dose, some say they don’t want to get it, a few say the department cannot force them and others say they are busy and will get it once they get free,” said a health department official.
As per the vaccination report of May 14 evening, of the target of 28,67,524 persons who are 18-plus, 31,75,289 (110.73%) have got the first dose and 23,23,746 the second. This means that even as 81.04% of the target in 18-plus age group have got the second dose, there are 18.96% who are yet to receive it.
“There are chances of the arrival of fourth wave in June, so this is the time for eligible persons to get their due dose. Vaccine has shown to decrease the severity of the disease and ICU admissions,” said Dr Clarence Samuel, an epidemiologist.
14-17-year category
The vaccination for 14-17-year age group started on January 3. Of the target of 1,78,952 persons, 1,23,832 (69.20%) were vaccinated till May 14 evening. As many as 56,776 (31.73%) have got the second dose.
12-14-year category
The vaccination for 12-14-year age group started on March 16. Of the target of 1,09,086 persons, 56,495 (51.79%) have got the first dose and 15,076 (26.69%) the second till May 14 evening.
Precaution dose
After the roll out of precaution dose on January 10, as many as 64,738 persons have received it so far.