Odisha Lags Behind Neighbouring States In COVID Vaccination Drive; 12 Dists Fall Short Of Target

Bhubaneswar: Odisha has failed to achieve the target of vaccination drive against COVID and fallen behind several neighbouring states so far.

The state government had targeted to cover 100% population with first dose vaccination by January, 2022. But, official figures put the coverage at 95% till date against the national average of 96%. The neighbouring states like Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Chhattisgarh have achieved close to 100% of population.

In the coverage of second dose of the vaccines also, Odisha has been lagging behind with 78% of the age-appropriate population availing it, while other states have crossed 90%.

As many as 12 districts in Odisha have failed to meet the state average of 78%. Deogarh has registered lowest 66% vaccination, followed by 68% in Balangir, 69% in Gajapati, 71% each in Nuapada and Nabarangpur, 75% in Mayurbhanj and Kendrapada, 74% each in Boudh and Bargarh and 77% each in Cuttack, Dhenkanal and Kalahandi.

Though concerned about the slow progress of the vaccination drive, the Health officials say they find it difficult to mobilise people despite their active campaign. They said the daily vaccination has come down from targeted three lakh doses to less than two lakh.

“We are now focusing on second dose after the first dose target as per head count has been achieved. As many as 24 lakh people aged above 18 years are yet to take second dose. We have launched a campaign – vaccination on demand. A helpline number has been released and districts have been asked to inoculate people in groups on demand,” TNIE quoted Director of Family Welfare Dr Bijay Panigrahi as saying.

However, on brighter side of the situation, the state has performed better than the national average in vaccination of teenagers. Around 71% of the population in the age group of 15-18 years have availed first dose and 31% both doses.

Total 3.24 crore first doses and 2.54 crore second doses have been given to the people. Similarly, 6,82,485 persons have taken the precautionary dose.