Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has urged states to intensify the vaccination campaign

Assuring states of adequate supply of Covid-19 vaccines, Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya has said that 38% of the eligible population has received the second dose.

At the same time, 79% of adult population had got the 1st dose of COVID19 vaccine, he said on Thursday.

Interacting with state health ministers to review the Covid-19 situation, he urged them to ensure that all the adult population is covered with the first doses during the ongoing ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ campaign.

Noting that more than 12 crore beneficiaries are due for their 2nd dose of Covid-19 vaccine, Mandaviya said that they should be motivated to take it.

The Union Health Minister reiterated Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mop-up strategies for strengthening the ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ campaign.

These include deploying ‘Prachar Toli’ in advance to villages which would ensure mobilisation and counselling of the eligible population along with awareness campaigns, followed by the ‘Vaccination Toli’ who would ensure that all eligible citizens are vaccinated with the first and second dose.

“Let the children motivate their parents and the other family members to take both the vaccine doses”, he stated.

Mandaviya had some other suggestions as well.

“Let us start COVID vaccination centres at bus stations, railway stations etc., especially in large metros, as these are the primary points for a large number of people entering the city. Some states have started a ‘Roko and Toko’ campaign where the passengers alighting from buses, trains, rickshaws etc., are motivated to take the vaccine doses," he said.

He also suggested that each day of the ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ campaign can be dedicated to mobilisation and vaccination of different groups of beneficiaries.

“One day can be dedicated for traders, hawkers, vendors, shopkeepers etc., which other days we can mobilise rickshaw pullers and auto drivers. One day can be dedicated to labourers and farmers”, he added.

While reviewing the ongoing Covid-19 control and management public health measures, the Union Health Minister cautioned all States/UTs that COVID 19 was not over.

“We shouldn't think that COVID is over. Cases are rising globally. In Singapore, Britain, Russia and China cases are rising again despite more than 80 percent vaccination. Vaccination and COVID Appropriate Behaviour (CAB) should go hand in hand”, he stressed.
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