Less People Are Turning Up For COVID-19 Vaccine Shot As Fear Spikes Over Adverse Reactions

The largest COVID-19 vaccination drive in the world appears to have hit a rough patch as numbers suggest a dip in turnout.

Close to 3,600 healthcare workers received the COVID-19 vaccine shots in Delhi on Monday, a further dip in the figures compared to that on the opening day of the immunisation drive, with sources saying just eight medical staff got the jabs at AIIMS.

Under the nationwide mega vaccination drive launched on Saturday, a total of 4,319 (53 per cent) health workers against a target of 8,117 were administered the vaccines at 81 centres across the city.

Reuters

The sharp decline in numbers comes after one severe and 50 minor cases were reported, following the vaccination drive on Saturday.

Fear over adverse reactions fuels low turnout

Various reasons are being attributed to the low turnout, including some technical issues and fears related to adverse events. However, the government has maintained that no case of serious/severe AEFI (adverse events following immunisation) is attributable to vaccination till date.

"On day two, 3,598 people have been administered corona vaccine. AEFI was reported in 26 persons," a senior official of Delhi health department said. One "severe" and 51 "minor" cases of AEFI (adverse events following immunisation) were reported among health workers who were administered the coronavirus vaccine in Delhi on Saturday, according to official figures.

TOI

An All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) security guard had developed an allergic reaction after receiving the vaccine. He was kept under observation of doctors, an official had said on Saturday. According to the Union health ministry, 3,111 vaccinations were done in Delhi on Monday till 5.00 pm.

The numbers reported on day two were much lower, a dip of nearly 28 per cent from the corresponding figures on Saturday. According to sources, eight vaccinations were done at AIIMS, 20 in Safdarjung Hospital and 69 healthcare workers were vaccinated at Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital.

Reuters

As far as eight vaccinations at AIIMS are concerned, an official source said, it was related to multiple factors, including apprehensions of adverse events and late notifications through the Co-WIN app, due to which many people got the information late and were not able to come.

At the Delhi government-run LNJP Hospital, only 12 healthcare workers showed up, compared to 32 on day one, as per data shared by official.