The pregnant womens are now eligible for COVID 19 vaccination after the recommendation of NITAG (National Immunisation Technical Advisory Group) which is an advisory committee responsible for providing information related to vaccine to the national government of different country, as they follow evidence based work approach and play significant role in the whole pandemic situation. The decision got approved by the Union Health Ministry.
The centre has issued operational guidelines for the vaccination of pregnant women and the healthcare professionals who are responsible for the process. There is high risk of COVID 19 infection in case of pregnant women, which can impact the health of both the mother and the baby. The priority is to inform all such women about the risk, benefit, side effect and then get vaccinated. After most of the people getting vaccinated the centre’s decision on vaccination of pregnant women will surely strengthen the vaccination drive. Now they can register themselves on COVIN or directly visit the vaccination centre.
India and vaccination drive
India started with its vaccination drive in January 2021. It started when two indigenous vaccine Covisheild by Serum institute of India and Covaxin by Bharat biotech passed the trials and got approval. It is India’s first ever adult vaccination drive.
In the first phase of Vaccination drive, all the Frontline workers and healthcare staff got vaccinated and gradually, dividing the population into the category of 45+ and 18+ the vaccination drive begin for the public as well. Apart from this vaccination trials were performed on children as it is forecasted that the third wave is likely to affect children more than adults.
The challenges and progress
India is one of the largest and most populated country in the world. The government of India is running the biggest vaccination drive while they face many challenges which include-
- Lack of participation
- Wastage of vaccine
- Lack of awareness
While these are some of the most common yet the most difficult obstacles that made it difficult to run the vaccination process and to reach a greater number of people specially the illiterate and rural population of the country. The government planned the strategy from local to national level and made tremendous offers towards making the drive successful by – - Eliminating vaccine hesitation
- Ensuring COVID protocols are followed including mandatory vaccination.
- Encouraging participation in the vaccine drive
Conclusion
A smooth functioning of the vaccination drive is necessary in order to make sure that maximum number of people get benefited. India has already gone through the worst condition in the second wave where the nation witnessed oxygen shortage, no beds in hospital and medicines running out of stock. Not only this the but, the financial loss and shortage of resources, loss of livelihood in the time of pandemic left the common man shattered.
The pandemic also showed us the reality of our healthcare system and faulty administration. The medical infrastructure is still not well equipped with some of the most basic facility which is a matter of concern.
Eduindex News 