Around 31% registered healthcare workers in Nagaland received Covid vaccine – Health minister

Our Correspondent
Kohima, Feb. 15 (EMN): Around 31% of the registered healthcare workers in the state have been inoculated since the nationwide Covid-19 vaccination drive was launched on January 16, informed the minister of Health and Family Welfare, S Pangnyu Phom.

The minister was replying to a starred question by MLA Dr. Chumben Murry in the seventh session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) in Kohima on Monday, seeking information on the response of frontline medical workers to the vaccination drive.

He also said that “Covid-19 vaccination is voluntary and not mandatory”.

On the reasons for poor response, Phom cited ‘unfounded misinformation and news of adverse events on various social media platforms; hesitancy amongst beneficiaries on account of this being a new vaccine and apprehensions about its side effects; and issues related to Cowin portal instability and poor internet connectivity.

On query about actions being taken by the Health department to allay fear and improve vaccination response, the minister said that the department has “conducted series of sensitisation workshops to motivate field workers including Auxiliary Nurse Midwifery (ANM), Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) by Community Health Officers (CHOs)”.

“Conducted series of sensitisation workshop for faith-based organisations, civil societies, media, village functionaries, government officials etc. at state, district and block levels,” he said, adding that it is dissemination “information on the safety and efficacy of vaccines through local print media, social media, AIR, Doordarshan etc.”

He also mentioned “use of social media by circulating videos by known medical practitioners and seniors officials as ‘influencers’ on positive message after getting vaccinated”.

The Health minister went on to say that Covishield, which is being used in the ongoing vaccination drive in the state, has been introduced in the country after “recommendations of expert and clearance based on its safety and place”.

All logistics required for the vaccination drive are in place, he said, adding that there is sufficient stock of vaccine.