Fewer than 40 percent of people 45 years and above have so far taken the Covid-19 vaccine in Meghalaya, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong said today.
“We were not happy to see that the vaccination drives that we have conducted till today in the entire state for the 45 years and above age group is yet to even reach 40 percent. To be precise, till today the vaccination drive done for this group is only 37-38 percent,” Tynsong informed.
One of the reasons for the continued hesitancy on the part of the public to get the jab could be down to fake news, misinformation and superstition, the Deputy CM said.
“That superstition is there. So maybe that also contributed to the reason where they don’t want to go for the vaccination,” he said.
He also said that the government will soon come out with a booklet to be translated into local languages to explain more about the need and safety of the vaccine.
Meanwhile, Tynsong informed that around 30 percent of the additional beds set aside to treat Covid patients will have oxygen supply attached.
“Out of the 300 beds in IIM Shillong, 100 will be with oxygen concentrators and of the 100 beds at the TB Hospital in Umsawli 40 will be with concentrators,” he explained.
Meanwhile, Tynsong also informed that 42,000 vaccines for the 18-44 age group will arrive in the state on Thursday.
The government has taken a decision that vulnerable districts will be allocated a greater share of the vaccines. This vaccination drive will start from May 14.
