Nagpur: The first day of the much-awaited vaccination for kids aged 12 to 14 turned out to be a low-key affair across Nagpur City. As far as Vidarbha is concerned, many districts are yet to start vaccination for kids.
In Nagpur City, only 81 children took the Corbevax jab even as health authorities had made all arrangements. In the remaining part of Nagpur district, only 107 children, including 100 from Saoner alone, took the jab. Health workers at most centres made a futile wait for children throughout the day.
Parents cited reasons like examination time, temperature is too high, and let vaccines come through schools for not taking their kids to the centres. Many of the parents complained that proper publicity for vaccination of this segment was not done. Some parents said they have decided to wait as they want to see the initial reaction of Corbevax, which is a new vaccine introduced exclusively for this age group.
Earlier, when the NMC’s elected body was not dissolved, the Mayor and Corporators used to organize a grand public function at some of the vaccination centres which saw good footfall. As NMC is now run by the Administrator, this public function was a major miss.
Parents are also waiting for schools to deliver vaccines. One of the parents said that she is sure NMC will deliver vaccines through schools soon. It would be proper and convenient. So, we will wait for some more days and get vaccines in schools only.
Interestingly, no government hospital except AIIMS has a centre for administering this vaccine. Only six children got vaccines at AIIMS. Vaccination of kids is important and it will pick-up soon. There is no need to be disappointed after a lackluster response on the first day. Corbevax has proven its safety and efficacy. There is absolutely no need to hesitate. Parents should ensure that kids get vaccines as early as possible, said Dr Pradeep Deshmukh, Head of Community Medicine Department of AIIMS Nagpur.
