PANAJI
State Immunisation Officer Dr Rajendra Borkar has informed that the vaccination programme will be halted for a brief period on account of Ganesh Chaturthi.
“There will be no vaccination drive on the day of the Chaturthi i.e. August 31 and the following day i.e. September 1. However, the vaccination programme will resume from September 2,” Dr Borkar informed while urging those wanting to take vaccine to take note of the same.
Meanwhile, Dr Borkar also informed that the Centre has revised the guidelines on precautionary dose, for foreign national or Indian nationals wishing to go abroad.
“Under the new guidelines, the period for taking precautionary dose has been reduced from six months to three months,” he stated.
Further, Dr Borkar informed that they are also allowed to change the vaccine if they wish to.
“If anybody who has taken either the first dose or second dose abroad, they can take the subsequent dose here and they have a choice of either taking covaxin, covishield or corbevax,” he added.
Dr Borkar further urged the people to enjoy the Chaturthi responsibly and to ensure they avoid crowded places, wear masks, wash their hands frequently.
He also urged the people to take the vaccine, if they have not done so, as vaccine is the only thing that can save one from Covid.
Borkar further painted a grim picture among the children in the age group of 12-14 years as he said only 79% have received the first dose while only 53% have got their second dose.
“The children are more vulnerable and they should ensure that they get their vaccine,” Dr Borkar said while also urging those above 60 years to get their precautionary dose as they too are vulnerable to Covid.
