As Covid cases surge induced by the Omicron variant, once again focus has shifted to hastening vaccination of majority of the population. The government has launched the Har Ghar Dastak in an effort to ramp up vaccination of the above 18 age group and the Har School Dastak which aims at the 15-18 years age group.
Even as India’s first dose coverage of covid-19 vaccine stands at 82% and second dose coverage reached 43%, north-eastern states’ progress remains a concern. Nagaland, Meghalaya and Manipur the three northeastern states have less than 60% coverage of first doses.
The reason for low vaccination rate may be multiple however vaccine hesitancy has emerged as the prime concern. Misinformation and distrust on the healthcare system has sparked reluctance among sections of the populace to receive the jab. There is need for the government to rope in stakeholders, NGOs to reach out to the grassroots to allay concerns and make them receptive. 
Arunachal Pradesh has covered 93% of its population with the first dose and 66% of its population with the second dose as on January 5th this year. Comparatively Arunachal seems to be faring well but six districts are still lagging below 50% coverage as per reports in December 2021. Therefore, the state needs to keep the momentum going till the last person is fully vaccinated.
Covid-19 vaccines have been a scientific marvel which have been developed at a record pace thanks to the collaborative efforts of the governments, scientific community, industry and others. Globally, vaccinations against polio, small pox, meningitis and many other diseases have seen huge success. This point must be reiterated and communicated to the masses to overcome vaccine hesitancy. The reasons for COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and hesitancy remain complex. But a lot can be achieved with effort from the government, media and the general public. While the government needs to be transparent about its Covid-19 management programme and vaccine strategy, media needs to be responsible while reporting on incidents such as adverse effects following immunization and the public must refrain from spreading misinformation.

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Kenter Joya Riba

(Managing Editor)
      She is a graduate in Science with post graduation in Sociology from University of Pune. She has been in the media industry for nearly a decade. Before turning to print business, she has been associated with radio and television.
Email: kenterjoyaz@easternsentinel.in / editoreasternsentinel@gmail.com
Phone: 0360-2212313

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