Bhubaneswar: There seems to be no hesitancy among health workers and other frontline warriors to take the COVID-19 vaccine shot as over 4 lakh beneficiaries have been vaccinated so far in Odisha.
Health and Family Welfare Director, Bijay Panigrahy on Friday said that as many as 4,89, 613 beneficiaries including 2,89, 187 health workers and 1,40, 025 frontline warriors have been administered the first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the State.
The second phase of the immunization drive had begun in the State from February 15. However, the process was disrupted for two days on account of Odisha bandh and Saraswati puja.
Despite the hiccups, the immunization drive has picked up pace and already 53, 401 beneficiaries have received the second shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, which accounts for nearly 78 % of the total beneficiaries.
“We are providing an opportunity to those who could not take the first dose. All such beneficiaries can get vaccinated at their respective centres by February 25,” said Panigrahy.
According to Panigrahy, almost 63 % frontline warriors have been vaccinated and there is a target to achieve 100 % target by February 28.
“Due to several personal reasons, many beneficiaries could not turn up for the second dose. But gradually, the trend is rising and we are hopeful to achieve 100 % immunization by March 1st week,” Panigrahy added.
(Edited By Ramakant Biswas)