Ahmedabad’s Covid shot compliance at 56%

Over two days of Covid-19 vaccination drive in Ahmedabad across hospitals and healthcare facilities. data shows only 56% of those registered turned up to take the shot.

While no serious adverse event of side-effects has been reported in the state, city health officials admit that not 100 percent of frontline warriors registered are coming forward to take the shot.

Many of those who have recovered from coronavirus are citing presence of antibodies in their systems which would give them a fighting chance against reinfection. Most who are avoiding the vaccine otherwise, highlight non-availability of long-term research data of the vaccine’s effect on humans as key reason for their delay in getting vaccinated.

An AMC officer said that there is some reluctance among the frontline health workers. “Many claim being too busy with patients. Some even say they were out of town. Some reluctance was anticipated, but once people get assured the vaccine is safe, the drive will post robust compliance,” the official said.

Deputy municipal commissioner Dr Om Prakash Machra said “Taking the vaccine is not compulsory, it is voluntary. We cannot mandate; all those who turn up will be vaccinated.”