Hamirpur, Aug 6 (FN Agency) HP Secretary( Health), Amitabh Awasthi has instructed the officials that in view of the possible third wave, more emphasis should be given on administering the first dose of Covid vaccine to those above 18 years. At a meeting of the department officers that was also attended by the CMO’s through an online media, he directed the officials that the COVID-19 vaccination campaign should be expedited and common people should be made aware of vaccination so that maximum number of people could be vaccinated.
He said the total targeted eligible population for vaccination against Covid-19 in the state was about 55 lakh 23 thousand, out of which 39,29,428 people have been administered the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine so far, which is 70 pe rcent of the target. This meeting was held in view of the preparations for the vaccination campaign and possible third wave being anticipated in the state shortly. He said the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine has also been administered to 13, 26,434 people in the state. A total of 52, 55,862 doses of Covid-19 vaccine have been administered in the state so far. He said now only 30 per cent of the population was left for vaccination in the state.
The Health Secretary said the entire eligible population has been vaccinated in Kinnaur and Lahaul Spiti districts. The target of vaccination in district Chamba will also be achieved soon. He said the cooperation of Panchayats should be taken to achieve the target of vaccination campaign in rural areas. He said the impact of Covid-19 epidemic in the state has reduced but this global pandemic has not ended. He said with a view to prevent possible third wave of COVID-19 pandemic, strict adherence to COVID-compliance behavior should be ensured even after vaccination. Mission Director NHM Hemraj Bairwa, Deputy Director NHM Dr. Gopal Bairi was present in Shimla, while Chief Medical Officers and other officers of various districts attended the meeting from their respective districts through virtual medium.