So far 79% adults covered with 1st dose, Mandaviya urges to achieve 100% under ‘Har Ghar Dastak’

New Delhi, Nov 11 (FN Representative) The Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya urged the states and Union Territories to achieve 100 per cent coverage of the adult population with the first dose of COVID-19 vaccines on Thursday. The minister said during a review meeting of the Centre’s ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ campaign with the health ministers of all states and UTs that 79 per cent of adults have been covered so far with the first dose. “Let us ensure collectively through collaborative and multi-stakeholder efforts that no eligible citizen is left without the ‘Suraksha Kawachh’ of COVID 19 vaccine in the country. Let us reach each and every corner and household across the country and motivate people to take both the doses,” he appealed in the meeting. Meanwhile, the minister also informed that among the first dose beneficiaries, only 38 per cent have taken up their second shot.

He also said that over 12 crore such individuals have not turned up for their due second shot. Reiterating the importance of full immunisation, Mandaviya urged the states and UTs to motivate those who are due for the second dose. The minister suggested roping in children for taking forward the message of full vaccination. “Let the children motivate their parents and the other family members to take both the doses of vaccines,” he said. He also said that vaccination centres can be set up at railway and bus stations, especially in large metro cities. “These are the primary points for a large number of people entering the city. Some states have started a ‘Roko and Toko’ campaign where the passengers alighting from buses, trains, rickshaws etc. and are motivated to take the vaccine doses Each day of the ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ campaign can be dedicated to mobilisation and vaccination of different groups of beneficiaries,” he added.