Every individual must be a Covid warrior if the pandemic is to be defeated. The battle against ravaging virus can be won by fighting it together. Triumph may be declared once herd immunity reaches, which should set in adequately but may take time. In contemporary times, vaccination is the key in fight against the pathogen.
As per the figures revealed by the J&K government on Monday, 98.12 percent vaccination has been achieved in above 45 years with 12 districts achieving cent percent target in Jammu and Kashmir. Srinagar and Kupwara are two districts with around 80 per cent achievement. The summer capital has achieved 82.73% progress and frontier Kupwara 70.21 per cent respectively. Other districts have higher figures to show.
In the overall Indian context though, there has been a decline in average daily vaccination against the virus since June 21, when the new phase of universalisation of COVID-19 vaccination commenced, according to the government data.
As per data available on the CoWIN platform, an average of 61.14 lakh doses of COVID-19 vaccine were administered daily in the week from June 21-27 which dropped to 41.92 lakh doses daily in the subsequent week from June 28-July 4.
In the week from July 5 to July 11, the daily average vaccine doses number further dipped to 34.32 lakh doses. Among states, however, a mixed trend has emerged.
The vaccination may not be 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 and 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 vaccine jabs and encourage others as well.
Not getting vaccinated would not only risk one’s life but also prevent returning to normal. The administration needs to continue campaigns to persuade more and more people to take the jab at an earliest and ensure availability also. While it is true that it is difficult to change someone’s mind when they have already reached a conclusion, researchers and research evidence need to inform views among members of the public as they are being formed.
