The state government machinery appears to be fully dedicated towards getting the public to get themselves vaccinated against Covid-19. In this, the authorities are battling superstition, conspiracy theories spread through social media, misplaced religious fervour and even a broad fear of the unknown.
However, bizarre, contradictory messages are also being spread by the foot soldiers in the fight against the coronavirus.
For example, Highland Post has learnt that one person who went to a vaccination centre in North Shillong constituency was told by the staff present that he could not get the jab because he suffered from high blood pressure. This despite that, in general, those with hypertension are at increased risk of the coronavirus and need to be protected.
Another person with “stomach issues” was also not allowed to get the vaccine, for unclear reasons.
When asked about this, a doctor working in the private sphere expressed his frustration and said that the Health Department is often the one causing the very vaccine hesitancy that it is trying to combat.
Despite this, vaccination numbers appear to be on an upwards trend.
In June there were 2.23 lakh jabs administered in Meghalaya and July’s figure increased by 55 percent to 3.46 lakh. Three districts have administered at least one vaccine to half the target population – South West Garo Hills (63 percent), East Jaiñtia Hills (57 percent) and West Garo Hills (53 percent) – with East Khasi Hills, the most-affected and most-populated district, just shy of 50 percent.
