State targets vaccination of over-45s by May

Shillong, Apr 21: The State aims to complete the vaccination of all 6.5 lakh of its citizens above 45 years of age against Covid-19 by next month, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma informed today.
So far 1.88 lakh Covid jabs have been administered to health workers, frontline personnel and members of the public. Only around 50,000 people have received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
“We have close to 6.5 lakh people in the state above 45 years and the vaccination drive must be done in a time-bound manner and completed at the earliest,” Sangma said during a visit to vaccination centres conducted in Nongrim Hills here.
Meghalaya is one of the worst performing states in terms of vaccination, with only around 3 per cent of its population having received at least one dose of the vaccine.
“We have to take precautionary measures to avoid situations like Delhi and Mumbai by following strict Covid protocols and getting ourselves vaccinated,” the CM said while ruling out another lockdown. Deputy Commissioners and other civil servants have been tasked with formulating a plan to achieve the goal.
The Chief Minister, who has been vaccinated, assured that the jab is very safe with no reports of any severe reaction from those who have taken it in Meghalaya thus far.
While on his visit, he commended the efforts of the Dorbar Shnong of Nongrim Hills.
“We have requested the Health Department and the Rangbah Shnong of Nongrim Hills to ensure that the entire vaccination of Nongrim Hills, which comprises around 500-plus people above the age of 45, in the next two-three days,” he said. “It is because of community participation that we can move this vaccination drive so aggressively in Nongrim Hills.”
Sixty-nine people in the 45-plus age group got their jab today in the neighbourhood, the Rangbah Shnong, Bantylli Nari, informed Highland Post. However, less than 50 percent of the population in this age group has so far been vaccinated in Nongrim Hills, he added.
“We have chalked out a new action plan for tomorrow where we will first push all shopkeepers and their helpers, irrespective of age, to come forward and get the vaccine because they are the most vulnerable when interacting with customers,” he said.
The vaccine drive tomorrow will run from 8am to 12 noon and then from 3pm to 7pm.
“We need the vaccine to boost the immune system, especially for those 45 years and above and I urge our citizens to take the vaccination if they still love their children and grandchildren and not to believe in rumours,” Nari appealed.