Vaccine Hesitancy Continues To Haunt Tamil Nadu As Nearly 1.5 Crore Eligible Population Yet To Take Even First Dose

Tamil Nadu Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan on Saturday (Nov 20) urged to all eligible persons of the state above 18 years of age to get vaccinated against Covid-19.

The State has so far achieved a level of 75 per cent in respect of first dose and 38 per cent in second dose vaccinations. Still about 1 crore persons between the age group 18 and 44 years and about 50 lakh persons above the age of 45, and mostly above 60 years are yet to take first dose, he said in a statement.

Moreover, over 72 lakh persons are overdue for second dose and they should utilise the opportunity to get vaccinated.

The unvaccinated and incompletely vaccinated group continue to pose a risk not only to themselves but also to the community at large and should view it as their duty to ensure that the efforts to prevent any resurgence of Covid-19 is effective as vaccination and Covid appropriate behaviour such as mask, social distancing and follow up to SOPs for permitted activities are the cornerstone of our fight against Covid, the health secretary said.

In addition to public health appeals, people also should come forward as a mission and ensure that their near and dear ones, office colleagues and relatives in this age group are convinced to take the first dose tomorrow, he said.

Also Read: ‘Vaccine Is A Mark Of The Beast’: Evangelicals In Tamil Nadu Are Running A Misinformation Campaign To Derail The Fight Against Covid-19