Battle against covid-19 is proving a long drawn one. There are renewed fears about 3rd wave, especially in view of the fact that ‘R’ value, or the reproductive rate of coronavirus, equaling or crossing the 1.0 mark in eight states or UTs, including Jammu and Kashmir. Experts attach a lot of importance to the measurement since it indicates the average number of fresh infections generated by an infected individual during the entire infectious period. To avoid the third wave from happening, a viable cure in contemporary times lies in vaccination.
As per US statistics, 95 percent or higher of COVID-19 hospitalisations and deaths were people who were unvaccinated.
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 the 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 total normal. The government needs to continue campaigns to persuade more and more people to take the jab at an earliest.
As many as 5,62,000 vaccine doses are available with J&K, as per officials. Efforts should be made to achieve the set target of covering 60% of the population by this month.
Dedicated focus must be given on timely inoculation of 2nd dose, besides ensuring 100% coverage of the 18-44 age group with the first dose, the Lt Governor rightly asked the officials during a review meeting.
There are still considerable people who are most vulnerable to the virus because they are still unvaccinated.
As economic and social activity gathers pace, a clear message has to be sent out to stick to covid-19 appropriate behavior in addition to mandatory vaccination. The low number of cases cannot be made an excuse for any laxity either on vaccination front or disregard to CAB.
