Vaccination intake slows down as Covid-19 cases rise

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As the numbers of Covid-19 cases are breaking records every day, the daily vaccination intake of the eligible population is gradually indicating a slow down as per the recent data. As per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MOHFW) data, there has been a slow down in the vaccinations on daily basis from what it was earlier in March and till April first week.

On April 10, 2021, the dashboard of MOHFW reported 34 lakh vaccinations administered in the last 24 hours, a day before that, it was 36 lakh. The numbers were over 30 lakh on 17th April 2021. It was as high as 43 lakh on the 6th of April. So, why are these numbers fluctuating for the doses being administered on daily basis?

India is a leader in terms of the supply and distribution of vaccines. Globally, it ranks among the top countries to provide maximum vaccination coverage to its people, in the fastest period of time. Though considering India’s huge population size, the vaccination drive still needs further ramping up.

This gradual fluctuation in daily doses that have been observed over the last week as well as for a period of time, suggests there still exists a sentiment of fear and uncertainty among people when it comes to taking the jab. It is evident that the population of India is still very hesitant to go to hospitals and medical facilities for getting vaccinated. Adding to their fears, the surge in cases, and the risk of exposure, have made them little wary about going for vaccination.

To clear the questions raised on the efficiency of vaccine and their importance to reduce mortality, Dr. Vivek Nangia, Head of Pulmonology at Max Saket, in an exclusive interview to Money9, said, ‘Vaccination is important as it will prevent the mortality rate, it has shown a reduction in the severity of symptoms among patients. Till now, we have not witnessed any deaths due to Covid-19 among people who have been vaccinated.’

Another major reason was also reportedly due to the inadequate vaccine supply in many states. However, the government has fast-tracked the approval and production process. The government gave emergency authorisation to Russia’s Sputnik V vaccine and imports to cover as many as 125 million people. The government has also urged many global pharma giants to sell vaccine shots to India and modified the regulatory rules for easy procurement.

But to make the vaccination drive a success it is both the administration and people who have to come together and do what is expected from them. Only if more and more people come out to take the jab, we can win this fight against coronavirus. The numbers of vaccines administered daily are expected to go up now, with the government opening the vaccination for 18 and above.