COVID-19 vaccination was today rolled out in South West Khasi Hills District starting from Mawkyrwat by the District Medical & Health Officer.
A programme was held at the Mini Secretariat wherein Deputy Commissioner, Caramai Kharkongor and health officials were present as the DMHO Dr. F.R. Lartang received the first jab including 30 health workers.
The Deputy Commissioner informed that the vaccination process will be roll out in a phase manner wherein the first phase it would cater to the health workers followed by frontline workers in the second phase and people above 50 years of age and less than 50 years of age with co-morbidities and the general public in the third phase.
Stating that the vaccines are proven to be safe and effective which will enhance immunity in order to contain the spread of the virus, she expressed hope that the vaccination process will help tremendously in the fight against the disease.
The Deputy Commissioner further urged people to grab the opportunity of being the first ones to be vaccinated in order to promote a positive vibe and not to believe in rumours (hearsay) but to take the vaccination in order to protect themselves, their family, society and the district at large.
Dr. Teilang Kharsyiemlieh, Medical Officer, Mawkyrwat informed the gathering about the two COVID-19 vaccines, the Covishield which was developed by Serum Institute of India (SII), Pune and the Covaxin developed by Bharat Biotech, Hyderabad. He informed that till date only 10 people have adverse effect because of other health related problems.
He further informed about the three phases of vaccination to be roll out soon and the people who are to restrain from being vaccinated like the lactating mothers, children below 18 years, pregnant women and people with symptoms of cough, fever etc should not be vaccinated. He also advised that after one month of getting the vaccine, one should not get pregnant.
Dr. J. Takkar of the W.H.O who was part of the vaccination process said that the vaccine is quite safe and people should avail the vaccination without any fear.
Banisha Thongni, District Programme Manager for COVID-19 reminded people to follow the safety guidelines of wearing a mask, hand washing, social distancing and to adhere to the protocols issued by the government even after vaccination.
