Freebies, home visits, campaigns and free jabs — this is how states are encouraging people to get their booster dose

• In the wake of Omicron new variants, the doctors and government officials are also recommending people to get their booster dose to strengthen their immune system.
• Around 9.6 crore Indians across all age groups got their precaution dose yesterday on July 31, according to Health Ministry data.
• Indians are still reluctant to get their jabs because they are under the impression that they already have developed a strong immunity for the Covid-19 virus.

A 45-year-old food vendor, Sanjay Rana, in Chandigarh is giving out a free plate of Chole Bhature to those taking the precaution dose of Covid-19 vaccine.

While Rana’s selfless move has earned him appreciation of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, state governments too have been amping up their efforts to improve the coverage of booster or third doses.

Indians who have lined up in hundreds to get their first and second dose are experiencing what virologist Dr T Jacob John highlighted as ‘vaccine fatigue’.

“For a long time, people were told that full vaccination meant two doses so the term precaution dose added to the confusion,” John told PTI in an interview.

Misinformation & side-effects

As per experts, Indians are reluctant to get their jabs because they are under the impression that they already have developed a strong immunity for the Covid-19 virus.

“Many citizens feel that the disease has become mild and thus a vaccine isn’t required. Moreover, there is plenty of false information regarding the booster dose as it is ineffective and taking it may cause long-term and short-term side effects,” said Dr Sanjith Saseedharan, consultant and head critical care, SL Raheja Hospital, Mahim-A Fortis Associate.

While the current vaccines continue to offer protection against hospitalization for severe disease and death, doctors and government officials are recommending a booster dose to strengthen the immune system against new Omicron variants.

There is also fear of mild symptoms that come with the booster dose – pain on the site of injection, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and chills.

“Other side effects like myocarditis and the formation of clots are rather rare. Importantly, these vaccines may help prevent hospitalization and avoid the disease from getting severe,” Dr Sanjith added.

Homes, malls and metros

To dispel fears and encourage the offtake of the booster vaccine, state governments too have amped their efforts. This comes after the central government started a 75-day free jab drive for every eligible person above 18 years and who has taken a second dose six months back.

The Telangana government is planning a new door-to-door campaign to administer the booster dose. The government also asked the district collectors to take up a special campaign and intensify the booster vaccination drive.

The Delhi government is also netting possible booster vaccine candidates with inoculation camps at high-footfall locations such as metro stations, markets, malls and even areas near wine shops to widen the vaccination coverage.

The number of Mohalla Clinics running vaccination centres have been raised from about 60 in early July to over 140, an official told news agency PTI.

“We set up our camps on the premises of identified metro stations, near the entry and exit points, and also in other high-footfall areas like malls and markets. We want maximum vaccination coverage and if a section of people is not coming to immunization centers, we will go to them,” the senior official further said.

A few days ago, the Punjab government said in a media briefing that only 12% of the eligible population has taken their third dose in the state.

Dr Rajesh Bhaskar, state’s nodal officer for Covid-19, said that one of the reasons for the low response to the precautionary dose was that people have been behaving as if Covid-19 never existed.

“Now, the department has planned to exhort people to administer the third dose. Special campaigns are being started to give a push to increase the numbers,” the officer said.

Lucky draws on vaccination

The Mumbai Municipal Corporation introduced freebies at the vaccination centers to attract more people.

“With booster doses for 18 years and above being free now, we have decided to come up with strategies to attract youngsters. For the 65 years and above age group, we were having person-to-person contact by calling them over the phone. Now, for the 18 years-plus population, we are coming up with new centers that will not only allow them to get vaccinated but we will also give out some coupons or have lucky draws,” said Abhijit Bangar, NMMC commissioner.

The corporation has centres at malls and supermarkets in Navi Mumbai wherein the ones who will go for booster dose will be given a coupon for lucky draws.

Around 9.6 crore Indians across all age groups got their precaution dose yesterday on July 31, according to Health Ministry data. Yet, governments are keen on intensifying the battle against Covid by improving the immunity profile of its citizens.

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