PANAJI
Nearly 92 per cent of people who died in the second Covid wave in the State were not vaccinated against the dreaded virus, a top doctor attached to the Goa Medical College said.
State immunologist Dr Utkarsh Bethodkar disclosed that of the 2563 people who succumbed to Covid, 2359 had not taken a single dose of the vaccine, 19 were vaccinated with both doses and 185 were vaccinated with a single dose. Out of the 19 deaths, 17 had major co-morbidities.
Stressing the importance of getting vaccinated, Dr Betodkar said as of today there is less virus in the environment and it is the right time to come forward to take the vaccine.
He said, “we don’t know how the virus will react in days to come. If one wishes to not get into complications, or not reach a critical case, then vaccination is the only option”.
Stating that there are still 2,15,000 eligible people for second dose in Goa, Dr Betodkar appealed to the people to come forward to take their doses.
“As of today, yes, the anticipated third wave that was to hit in September, has thankfully, not hit us. But that does not mean we are totally spared from the scare. Whenever new variants are detected the fear of such waves will persist, it cannot be ruled out totally”, Dr Betodkar said.
In Goa 105% of the population has completed their first dose, while 71% have taken their second dose, which is far more than the all-India level which is 30%.
State Immunisation Officer, Dr Rajendra Borkar said “as Goa is dependent on tourism for its economy, and schools are reopening now, there is a possibility of people getting infected. Those who have not had their second dose may get infected and they may spread the infection to others. Our goal is to complete the second dose by November end”.
Directorate of Health Services said Goa will be holding a mega camp on October 31, in view of the goal of completing both doses by November end and actually shutting down some of the vaccination centres by December.
Anganwadi workers will be roped in to bring the eligible persons to the centres.
