Battle against covid-19 is proving a long drawn one. Measures such as lockdown, as some experts have put, is like paracetamol which reduces the temperature. It is not the treatment. The cure lies either in herd immunity which should set in adequately but may take time. Viable cure in contemporary times is vaccination.
As per the figures revealed by the J&K government on Tuesday, 84.46 percent vaccination has been achieved in above 45 years with four districts achieving cent percent target. Srinagar and Kupwara are two districts with less than 60 per cent, with summer capital recording 57.94% and frontier Kupwara 59.33 per cent respectively.
In the Indian context, about 49 per cent of the population aged 60 years and above has been vaccinated with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine.
As per latest data by the Union Health Ministry, out of an estimated 59.7 crore people in the age group of 18-44 years, about 15 per cent have been vaccinated with the first dose of the vaccine.
Cumulative vaccine doses administered in the country has crossed 33.1 crore so far, the ministry said.
From June 21-28, 57.68 lakh average daily doses have been delivered. From May 1 to June 24, 56 per cent doses have been given in rural areas, while 44 per cent administered in urban areas, it said.
As many as 20.9 crore people are there aged between 45-59 years out of which 42 per cent, have been vaccinated with the first dose of the Covid vaccine, it added.
The vaccination is not legally mandatory and therefore an individual can choose not to take the jab. However unless it is on medical advice, not to take the vaccine would be self-defeating in light of the views held by the experts.
There is a need to expedite the vaccination in eligible groups and should be the core focus for the government.
At present, universal vaccination is the only way to save lives, prevent future waves, revive economic growth, ensure children return to schools, resume social interactions and overcome the pandemic. It is also imperative that eligible citizens, those above the age of 45 and those falling in the 18-44 age group, must take both vaccines and encourage others as well.
Not getting vaccinated would not only risk one’s life but also prevent returning to normal. The government needs to continue campaigns to persuade more and more people to take the jab at an earliest and ensure availability also.