Port Blair, April 11: The four-day 'Tika Utsav'' or vaccination festival, aiming to inoculate maximum number of eligible people against coronavirus which started in A&N Islands today witnessed positive response from people. The vaccine drive which began on the Birth anniversary of social reformer Jyotiba Phule will culminate on 14th April on the occasion of the birth anniversary of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.
To facilitate beneficiaries with hassle free vaccination, today, the Directorate of Health Services established 30 session sites in almost all the Health Care Institutions, few field sites and 75 vaccination points across these Islands which will be increased in the coming days. It is noteworthy to mention that on the first day of the ‘Tika Utsav’ itself, about 2933 beneficiaries have been vaccinated in A&N Islands, setting a record of administration of vaccine on a single day.
People in the age group of above 45 years of age i.e. who are born before 01.01.1977 are eligible to take the vaccine in the nearest centers and if required additional booths will be opened. The centres are functioning on all days between 9.30 am and 4 pm for registration and vaccination and the time period is being extended post registration, if needed.
People have been requested to reach the centers in a staggered manner and local Community Based Organizations may extend all the hands to the health officials to conduct the session. Beneficiaries have also been requested to reach the nearest centres to get themselves vaccinated and make the ‘Tika Utsav’ a grand success in these Islands. All have been requested to follow COVID appropriate behavior by maintaining safe social distance ‘Do Gaj Ki Doori’, wash hand and face intermittently with soap and water ensuring 60 seconds of contact with soap and wearing appropriately masks in crowded places.
It is reiterated that the A & N Administration is committed to control the pandemic with the help of general public and adopting the approach of Tracking Testing and Treating ILI/COVID-19 cases. In addition to the vaccination, all should adopt the COVID Appropriate Behavior ‘Dawai bhi aur kadhai bhi’.
Political Parties, Religious Organizations and Civil Society Organizations have also been requested to encourage and mobilize the general public to take the vaccine at the earliest in the nearest vaccination centre.
People have also been informed that COVISHIELD vaccine is safe and it has been administered to more than 34000 beneficiaries as on date in these Islands, without any complications. All persons in the age group of 45 and above have been requested to take the vaccine except pregnant and lactating mother. Any person having any other sickness may also take the vaccine on priority. It is advised that people who are allergic to certain drugs may consult doctor before taking the vaccine.