Ludhiana: Amid the surge in Covid cases, there are around 50,000 eligible persons between 12 and 17 years of age who are yet to get the second dose of vaccine.
Confirming it, district immunization officer (DIO) Dr Manisha Khanna said they were holding mega drives to get eligible persons vaccinated.
“On Friday, we had given 10,000 doses to the eligible persons and on Tuesday, 8,000 were jabbed as part of the drive. Eligible persons need to be more pro-active in coming forward as vaccination camps, teams and sites are everywhere. Even during holidays, we are not closing any session,” the DIO added.
“If the eligible persons have already received the first dose, they should get the second within the stipulated time to get maximum benefit of antibody formation and immunity against the Covid virus,” she said.
The health department officials said the immunization authorities were motivating the parents of these children and coordinating with their schools so that they get their due dose.
As per the vaccination report of June 28 evening, of the target of 1,09,086 children between 12 and 14 years of age, 69,900 (64.08%) have got the first dose and 27,761 the second (25.45%). Their vaccination had started on March 16.
Of 1,78,952 persons between 14 and 17 years of age, 1,31,064 (73.24%) have got the first dose and 69,523 (38.85%) the second. The vaccination for this age group had started on January 3.
Experts say with cases rising, residents should not ignore vaccination.
“Vaccination of all the eligible persons, including those between 12 and 17 years of age, is important to check the disease. It reduces the severity of the disease. With many families going out of town because of holidays, it is expected that vaccination of 12-17-year-olds may increase after schools reopen,” said Ludhiana IMA president Dr Bimal Kanish.
Experts advise residents not to ignore Covid-appropriate behaviour of wearing a mask, maintaining social distancing and avoiding crowded places.
