Reluctance to COVID-19 booster dose raises concerns in Odisha

Even though the State government is making multiple public appeals to take precaution dose, a reluctance has been seen among the people, informed Odisha family welfare director Bijay Panigrahi on Thursday.

Expressing concerns, Panigrahi said, "87 per cent (2.84 cr) people in the State are yet to take booster shots. Only 42,70,487 have taken the precaution doses. Besides, 25 lakh people are yet to take the 2nd dose."

"Around 1000 Covid cases are being reportedly per day in the State. I appeal to all those in 18-59 years age group to come up in large numbers and get the booster jab as soon as possible," appealed the family welfare director.

He further warned that though the State has witnessed a drop in the number of positive cases in the last few days, it may surge at any moment. "And, getting vaccinated is the only way to keep the Covid at bay," he said.

The government is administering free booster doses of COVID-19 vaccines at all the designated centers, he added.

Odisha on Thursday reported 870 new Covid-19 positive cases, taking the total active cases in the State to 6325. Sundargarh reported the highest 220 cases followed by Khurda (140), Sambalpur  (72) and Mayurbhanj (59).