Nodal Officer COVID-19 Calls Upon People Not to Believe in Rumours

Port Blair, Jan 22: The coronavirus global pandemic affected these islands like rest of the country and the world. Now, as a great relief, protective vaccine is available in the country to protect against the novel coronavirus in the form of life saving guard. It is informed to all general public and professionals that COVISHIELD Vaccine has been provided to A&N Islands and the same is being administered to Health Care Workers in the last five days, with no adverse reactions among the recipients.

The COVISHIELD vaccine is not only safe but also gives good protection as found during various trials and is also very safe to administer. As on 21/01/2021, COVISHIELD Vaccine has been given to 1033 Health Care Workers in the Districts of North & Middle Andaman and South Andaman. Similarly, the vaccine has been given safely to the 91 Defence health care personnel in Port Blair with no complications or side effect reported. In Nicobar District, COVID vaccination will be commenced with effect from 23/01/2021.

In view of the smooth progress in COVID vaccination in A&N Islands, Islanders are requested not to believe any rumour or misinformation about the vaccine. Islanders are advised to follow the advice of the doctor only.

Further, getting vaccine does not mean that the Covid-appropriate behaviour can be abandoned, - even after vaccination, one has to follow COVID19 protocols - wearing face masks in public, maintaining social distance and washing hands regularly etc. As the vaccine is given in two dosage 28 days’ apart and the immunity develops only after 14 days of second dose. "After one dose, or even after two doses, Covid-appropriate behaviour has to be followed.

"All the identified beneficiaries / health care workers have been requested to come forward and get the vaccination doses without any hesitation", said Dr. Avijit Roy, Nodal Officer, COVID-19, A&N Islands.