Nagaland has acquired the dubious national distinction of being the State with the lowest recorded coverage of vaccination in the age-group 45 and above in the country.
Confirming this, State immunisation officer (UIP), health & family welfare (H&FW) department Dr Ritu Thurr told Nagaland Post that as per 2011 census, there were 4,54,527 individuals above the age of 45 in the State of which, 1,21,961 had taken the first jab, while 15,977 completed their second dose as on May 30, 3 p.m. He acknowledged that the coverage was lowest in the country.
Nevertheless, he exuded confidence that the coverage rate would increase by June-July since the vaccination drive would be taken to rural areas for “outreach sessions” and village councils and student unions would come forward to assist in the process.
Thurr said that enough awareness had been created in all districts and at block levels, but regretted that many still had some hesitancy and were adopting a “wait and watch” policy. He hoped that things would improve soon.
He said vaccination had been made mandatory for healthcare workers, while those who had registered but not vaccinated were being directed to vaccinate themselves.
Out of the 25,007 healthcare workers who had registered in the State, 15,482 of them have taken the first dose and 10,180 taken the second dose. (See table for details)
Altogether, 2,68,591 individuals have been administered about both the first and second doses.
Expressing happiness at seeing the people’s eagerness in the 18-44 category and coming forward for the vaccination, Thurr remarked that vaccination for all age groups, especially for those 45 and above, should not be a problem as there were enough vaccines.
He said the H&FW department has earmarked 10% onsite registration, especially in rural areas, owing to poor internet connectivity and exuded confidence to see positive response with the new initiative.