Video messages, appeals for vaccination in Kashi as 2,898 take shot
VARANASI: Covishield vaccine doses were administered to 2,898 people during the vaccination drive at 34 centres, in Varanasi, on Thursday.
The health department had set a target to vaccinate 5,384 health officials. However, only 2,892 - 54% - could be vaccinated. Varanasi additional chief medical officer (administration) and vaccination nodal officer NP Singh confirmed the figure.
Singh got himself vaccinated at a primary health centre in Durgakund area of the city. After vaccination, Singh released a video message and appealed to health workers to come forward and get vaccinated. “I have got myself vaccinated today. See, I am hale and hearty. I am perfectly well. The vaccine is completely safe. It has been launched after all scientific tests and trials. It is a matter of great joy that we health workers have been given the opportunity to be vaccinated first. With folded hands, I urge all my dear health workers to get vaccinated,” Singh said. Half an hour after the vaccination, Singh joined duty.
The vaccination centre at Gangapur Community Health Centre, in Pindara, topped the district where the vaccination percentage was recorded at 92.3 %.
Despite all efforts, vaccination percentage remained 15% at the centre at Mishirpur Community Health Centre and below 15% at Chaukaghat Urban Community Health Centre, (14.4%) and Ayurvedic College (10%). Vaccination percentage remained below 55% at 15 centres.
On January 29, the target is 5,560 beneficiaries and on February 4, at 33 centres, 3,398 beneficiaries are to be vaccinated. For February 5, the target is 907 beneficiaries at 30 centres.