COVID-19 vaccination programme begins

COVID-19 vaccination programme got under way at seven vaccination centres in Virudhunagar district.

Out of the 180 health workers who had given willingness for getting the injection, 141 of them, including doctors, nurses and health workers took the shots.

Collector R. Kannan inspected the vaccination procedure at Virudhunagar Medical College hospital and said that the programme was smooth and there was no complaint.

Joint Director (Medical Services), R. Manoharan, said that there could have been hesitation among some of them since it was the first day. “With all doctors, nurses and health workers having started to take the doses, there will not be any hesitation from tomorrow,” he said.

Among those who were the first to get vaccinated are Chief Civil Surgeon, Dr. N. Anbuvel, and Virudhunagar GH Superintendent, Dr. N. Aravind Babu. “We are getting the similar vaccine that has been administered to several thousands of people in the UK. It is very safe and flawless,” said Dr. Aravind Babu.

Stating that there was no pain and other complications to the beneficiaries, he said people need not have any fear to get vaccinated.

A senior staff nurse, S. Kala (52), who took the dose, said it will help her to prevent getting infected with the COVID-19 infection.

Virudhunagar district has got 9,720 dosages of Covishield vaccine. While Virudhunagar Health unit district — Virudhunagar Medical College hospital, Aruppukottai GH and M. Reddiyapatti Primary Health Centre — has been allotted 3,320 dosages.

Sivakasi health unit district – Sivakasi and Rajapalayam GHs, Cunnoor and M. Pudupatti PHCs — will get 6,420 dosages.

The second dose will be injected on the 28th day. Immunity against COVID-19 will be developed in the body two weeks after the second dose.

“Since the availability of dosages is very limited, health workers would be given the shots on first-come-first-served bases.

A five-member medical team would monitor the beneficiaries for 30 minutes after the vaccination is done.

Deputy Director (Health) Palanisamy was present.