Absence of perfect planning and lack of coordination is hindering the vaccination programme for inoculating a major portion of country’s population, including the school going students, in a specific timeframe to prevent the spread of coronavirus. A local daily on Monday reported that about 65 per cent of the 12 to 18 years old students are yet to get first dose of Covid-19 vaccines. It has exposed the contrast between the Health Ministry’s claim and the harsh reality. Education minister recently has said percentage of non-vaccinated students is 90 per cent while only 44 lakh students have got first vaccine dose. The rate is 35 per cent of over 1.16 crore students of the same age group. More than 75 lakh students haven’t got the first dose yet.
So, anyone can understand how critical situation it is. At this time, government has announced that students about 12-18 years of age must take at least one dose vaccine for going to schools. We simply ask how it is possible when third wave has already hit. We also have no clear idea when all the people could be vaccinated. Though different government departments have claiming about having enough vaccines to meet the demand, we often see chaos and mismanagement in giving jab to vaccine- seekers.
Much more needs to be done at local levels to pursue to follow by the people the guidelines like wearing mask and maintaining safe distance etc. Publicity should be followed by activities by the government.
