1.5 lakh eligible people from Ludhiana yet to get 2nd vaccine shot

LUDHIANA: Amid the surge in Covid-19 cases, there are around 1.5 lakh eligible persons who are yet to get the second dose of vaccine.
Civil surgeon Dr S P Singh confirmed that there are around 1.5 lakh persons who are eligible for second dose and are yet to get the same. He said as Ludhiana has substantial migrant population, there are persons who have gone to other states and changed their contact numbers after getting the first dose in Ludhiana district.
The civil surgeon said they have got the vaccine stock and they are putting up advertisements and display boards regarding vaccination sites to facilitate eligible persons to get their due dose. He said with surge in cases, they are hopeful that more people will come forward for vaccination.
Health officials said there is non-seriousness among eligible persons for vaccination as many feel that Covid won’t affect them badly. They said people have been citing various reasons for not getting due dose of vaccine. Most of them share that since it is voluntary exercise, people have to decide whether to take the vaccine or not.
According to the vaccination data, 110.98% above 18 years age group have got the first dose of vaccine, but only 82.51% such persons have got second dose. The data suggested that there are more than 17% persons are yet to get second dose.
Category wise data of vaccination revealed that 40,877 healthcare workers have got the first dose, 37,141 the second dose and 14,864 have got precaution dose. Even as 1,34,926 frontline workers have got first dose, 1,16,349 have got the second dose and only 22,271 have got the precaution dose.
Experts said now is the time for eligible persons to get their due dose. “Recently there has been surge in Covid cases in the district. So I think that those who are eligible for second or booster dose should get the same without delay before cases may increase substantially. Vaccination is vital as it has shown results in reducing the severity of the disease,” said Ludhiana IMA president Dr Bimal Kanish.
Health experts advised people to follow Covid norms, including wearing of masks, maintaining social distancing, to check the spread of disease.