Online registration to avoid crowding at vaccination sites

Our Correspondent
Kohima, June 27 (EMN): Following the notification from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare stating that it is not required to pre-register online for availing Covid-19 vaccination, State Immunisation Officer Dr. Ritu Thurr however clarified that online registration is ensured in Nagaland to avoid rush and crowding at the vaccination sites.

Speaking to Eastern Mirror on Sunday, Thurr said that prior online registration for availing the vaccine is enforced in the urban areas and cities to avoid crowding.

However, he stated that in rural areas, online registration is exempted because of internet issues and for those recipients who do not own smartphones and those unable to handle mobile phones to book their vaccine slots online.

Meanwhile, Thurr stated that 10% of vaccines are reserved for offline registration at every session.

He said that the 10% vials are reserved for walk-in registration in order to prevent vaccine wastage as many do not turn up even after booking their slots.

As such, the doctor informed that those who come for the on-site registration are given the shots accordingly after producing the necessary documents so that there is no wastage.

“Some people don’t turn up even after booking their slots also,” he said, adding that they cannot afford to waste the vaccines while waiting for those who do not turn up.

He also informed that the state is getting vaccine supply every week and that states are allocated the same according to the vaccination consumption rate in their respective jurisdiction.

However, he stated that there is still vaccine hesitancy among the citizens especially those above 45 years though vaccines are available.

However, the immunisation officer asserted that there is a “heavy rush” for Covid-19 vaccination by the 18-44 age group according to the reports.

He said that people above 45 years of age are not coming forward in receiving the vaccine ‘inspite of our medical teams conducting outreach programmes in villages and colonies’.

‘What to do; we cannot compel them to come and take the jab ‘ he said, adding that it is hard to convince the elder age group.

Meanwhile, Thurr stated that about 99.9% Covid-related deaths in the state during the second wave of Covid-19 were “unvaccinated group”.

According to him, there have been deaths in some patients even after being partially vaccinated. However, he stated that such persons were with comorbidities like cancer, diabetes and other complications and ailments.

He therefore urged that one should not decline or refuse to receive the vaccine against Covid-19 i in order to protect oneself, loved ones and the community.

“It is proven that vaccination prevents the Covid infection,” he claimed.

However, a doctor who wished to remain anonymous informed this newspaper that as long as one maintains the basic SOPs like washing of hands, social distancing and masking, one need not require to be vaccinated.

He also observed that vaccinated people still need to take necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from Covid-19.

A youth said that she received the vaccine as she needs to travel outside for her medication. She shared that she took the vaccine so that she may produce her vaccination certificate when required while traveling.

Another citizen said that he had taken the jab so that he can remain safe from the infection, stating that it was important to be vaccinated.

“We need to take precaution since the disease has already spread,” the youth said.