AURANGABAD: The Covid-19 vaccination drive for pregnant women and lactating mothers has received a poor response in the rural areas of the Aurangabad district.
Of 52,202 pregnant women from nine talukas, only 1,274 women have received at least one vaccine doese, making up an abysmal 2.44% coverage in this particular category.
According to official data, vaccination among lactating mothers stands at 1.49%, with only 714 of the target population of 47,620 receiving at least one dose of the Covid vaccine.
Health authorities said the dedicated vaccination drive is finding few takers despite the official launch taking place almost three months ago.
“Vaccine hesitancy is higher among the pregnant women and lactating mothers in the rural areas when compared to the urban pockets of the district.
The women should get vaccinated without any fear or hesitation to ensure safety for themselves and their infants,” said a senior official from the zilla parishad (ZP).
The official asserted that the vaccine was safe for the pregnant women and their foetus, and that lactating mothers can also continue feeding their babies after receiving the vaccine jabs.
“Unlike in the past, the vaccination drive is going on smoothly in rural areas. Considering the possible threat of a third wave, every eligible individual should get vaccinated as soon as possible,” an official said.
Among the other identified vulnerable groups for the dedicated vaccination drive, only 2.3% people with disabilities, out of a target population of 9,332, and 7.2% bed-ridden individuals (of 1,864) have received the first dose so far.
The district on Monday reported nine fresh cases of Covid-19, including four from the rural areas. The district has 112 active cases.
