Although there has been a general vaccine hesitancy in the 45-plus age group, the case proved to be completely different for the 18-44 category today as the first vaccination slots were booked within minutes of opening today.
Tomorrow will see the first of 42,000 jabs for the 18 to 44s given at vaccination centres around the state. Online registration opened today but lasted only minutes before being fully booked. On the spot registration is not permitted for this age category.
“As per the direction of the state government, my daughter logged into the website at 12 noon to book a slot but could not,” a parent told Highland Post.
The many who were frustrated took to the internet to voice their displeasure.
“Even after registering, scheduling a slot is troublesome as many of the centres are fully booked, while one declared by the Chief Minister is still focused on the 45-plus age group,” a member of the public wrote online.
Others feared that the system could have been manipulated in some way to allow those with connections to grab all the early places if they have not gotten themselves vaccinated by other means already.
Meanwhile, the need for registering ahead of time online was criticised by several groups, such as Thma U Rangli-Juki, Workers Power of Meghalaya and Meghalaya Progressive Counsellors Union.
Online registration would hurt the chances of poor and rural people in getting the vaccine, they said, as well as those who are just not tech savvy and providing an offline option would be much more equitable.
Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, however, saw the enthusiasm to book a slot as encouraging.
“The slots are already full in Shillong and other districts. This shows that this 18-44 year age group is willing to go for vaccination,” Tynsong informed. Yesterday he had decried the general hesitancy in older generations to get the jab.
Areas designated as vulnerable have been provided with a greater share of the Covishield vaccine. These are East Khasi Hills, Ri-Bhoi, West Garo Hills, South West Garo Hills, East Jaintia Hills and West Jaintia Hills.
