Prevent overcrowding at vaccination centres

The state government has finally announced to start vaccinating people in the age group of 18 to 44 years from 17 May onwards. Chief Minister Pema Khandu made the announcement after fresh doses of 20,180 Covishield vaccines arrived in the state on Wednesday. Earlier, the vaccination, which was supposed to start from 1 May, had been put on hold due to shortage of vaccines. The start of vaccination for the age group of 18 to 44 years is a big relief for everyone. The second wave of Covid-19 has badly hit the younger population across India. In Arunachal too, people as young as 18 and with no comorbidities have died due to Covid.

Across the world, vaccines have been effective in saving lives. Therefore, the decision to start vaccination for those above 18 by the state government will massively boost the battle against Covid-19. However, it has also come to the fore that many frontline workers and those above 45 years of age have not taken vaccines till now. This is a matter of deep concern. People of these categories should voluntarily come forward and get vaccinated. They should not fall prey to rumours and misinformation about vaccines. The state government also needs to open more vaccination centres in the urban areas to reduce crowding. In the Itanagar capital region and in many district headquarters, huge rush is being noticed. People do not follow social distancing norms. If it continues like this, the vaccination centres will become the epicentres of Covid-19 infection.