Early Times Report
Jammu, Apr 26: Although authorities have launched an aggressive campaign to educate people, only 38 percent of citizens, above 45 years of age, have been vaccinated, so far, in the Union Territory of J&K.
As per the data shared by the Union Health Ministry on Monday on the 100 days of the vaccination campaign, 20,43,786 doses have been administered in the Union Territory of J&K during that period.
In J&K, 17, 31,794 patients have been administered the first dose while as remaining 3,11,992 have been administered second dose.
During a high-level meeting to review the public health response to COVID-19 two days back, it was informed that in the initial phases of vaccination, 75% of health workers, 78% of front line workers, and 38% of citizens above 45 years of age.
In Kashmir Valley, Baramulla, Budgam, Ganderbal, and Shopian districts have over 40 percent vaccination coverage amongst the citizens. Similarly in Jammu, Kathua, Ramban, Samba, Jammu, and Udhampur districts recorded over 40 percent vaccination among citizens above 45 years of age.
Ironically none of the 20 districts in J&K have covered 50 percent population in the vaccination campaign. Only nine districts have covered 40 percent of the population. The next phase of the vaccination for the 18-45 age group will cover approximately 65 lakh people.
To effectively deliver the vaccines at the grass-root level, authorities decided to devise a strategy to develop greater coordination between the frontline workers of various departments including health, social welfare, school education, rural development, and housing and urban development.
Deputy Commissioners were asked to mobilize target beneficiaries towards the vaccination process through the frontline workers.
Awareness campaigns will be launched to educate the people to participate in the vaccination drives and get vaccinated on priority to keep themselves and their families safe from the infection.
It is believed that rumour mongers are creating hindrances in the vaccination campaign. Authorities have warned of strict legal action against the rumour mongers spreading misinformation against the safety of the vaccine besides advising the general public not to pay any heed to such elements. |
