About 7 lakh in Chennai still due for second dose of Covid vaccination

CHENNAI: About seven lakh people in Chennai are still due for their Covid-19 second dose vaccine, deepening concern with Omicron threat looming large.
“More than 1 lakh people took their second dose on Saturday’s 15th mega vaccine camp and about 7 lakh people would still be due for their second dose,” city health officer Dr M Jagadeesan said.
Based on evening estimates, officials said about 2.32 lakh people were covered for both doses in Saturday’s mega camp.
Close to 25 lakh people have been covered in 15 mega vaccine camps and 88.59% of the eligible population have taken the first dose, while 66% have taken the second dose.
The civic body has ramped up its vaccination drive with 1,600 camps being held frequently in busy areas to cover the vulnerable population and those due for their second dose.
Experts say since the duration of Covishield is longer some people may even genuinely forget to take the second dose. “Sending an SMS to people who missed the dose or reminding them with a phone call will help them take the second dose,” said Dr Ram Gopalakrishnan, Infectious Diseases Specialist at Apollo Hospitals.
Dr Gopalakrishnan said if people do not take the second dose and they get infected, the infection will still be severe. “There’s also a great chance of them going into oxygen support,” he said, adding that people must take the second dose at the earliest, even if there’s a delay.
The second dose gains significance as a national Covid-19 supermodel committee has also predicted a third wave caused by Omicron. Former director of public health Dr K Kolandasamy said there must be strict enforcement in cinema theatres and other public spots. “Theatres in many places are not checking for vaccine details. Attenders of patients in hospital too are not vaccinated in some instances. This is risky,” he said.
Chennai currently lags behind in second dose coverage compared to capital cities of neighboring southern states.