TRICHY: With hundreds of unused vials of anti-Covid-19 vaccines being returned from vaccination centres across Trichy city recently, questions are being raised about the plummeting interest in vaccination and the need for new strategies to augment coverage. Sources said 587 of the 885 vials allotted were returned on Sunday. This at a time when only an estimated 48% of the eligible population has been vaccinated in the city.
A total of 12 centres administered Covishield on Sunday with each allotted 35-50 vials. At the end of the day, each centre returned about 70% of them. Of the total 585 allotted, only 209 were utilised. At the five designated centres to administer Covaxin shots, as many as 211 of the 300 vials allotted were returned. While Coimbatore and Madurai are witnessing a surge in vaccination interest, Trichy which reported good patronage in the initial days is now witnessing a slowdown. Coimbatore is reportedly utilising 90% of the vials allotted.
From vaccinating 300-500 people on average per camp a day, the recent daily vaccination average in Trichy city has dipped to 200. “As our venue was deserted, we approached the nearby residents inviting them. However, they did not seem to be interested. Some of them were asking for the vaccine we do not have,” a medical officer said requesting anonymity. Medical officers argue that 5%-10% of those vaccinated in the city could be non-residents, thus indicating that the unvaccinated population is still significant. Despite the fall in patronage for vaccination drives in the past week or so, the strategy has not changed much.
Except for identifying new camp locations, the civic body is yet to pursue a dynamic approach to overcome hesitancy and lapses. “We are looking at alternatives such as establishing a permanent vaccination centre also where people can walk in and take the shot. Awareness has to be raised, we will also look at promoting the vaccination venues,” an official with Trichy corporation added.
