SHILLONG, March 7: People aged above 60 years and those above 45 years and with comorbidities are visiting government-run as well as private hospitals in the state to get their doses of COVID-19 vaccine.
The process for these categories of people began on March 1. The doses are administered for free in government hospitals. Private hospitals charge Rs 250 per dose.
According to official figures, 577 people, aged above 45 years and with comorbidities, took their first dose till March 5.
Altogether 240 people took it in West Garo Hills, 134 in East Khasi Hills, 54 in East Jaintia Hills, 44 in North Garo Hills, 34 in East Garo Hills, 32 in West Khasi Hills and nine in West Jaintia Hills.
Similarly, 2,506 people, aged above 60 years, took the first dose till March 5.
Altogether 1,390 people took it in West Garo Hills, 578 in East Khasi Hills, 116 in East Garo Hills, 113 in West Khasi Hills, 109 in North Garo Hills, 51 in South Garo Hills, 44 in South West Garo Hills, 37 in Ri-Bhoi, 24 in East Jaintia Hills and 15 in South West Khasi Hills.
Superintendent and Joint Director of Shillong Civil Hospital, Dr. Andreas Dkhar said 47 people, aged above 60, have so far come forward to get vaccinated while eight others, aged above 45 years, have been vaccinated.
“We are planning to carry out the drive outside the hospital since there is a rush,” Dr. Andreas said.
Nazareth Hospital Chief Operating Officer, Dr. Gordon Rangad said the hospital is conducting the drive two days a week (Tuesday and Thursday). He said 84 people came on the first day while 64 others came on the second day.
At Supercare Hospital, the number of people vaccinated on March 3 and 4 is 18.
Senior medical officer from Woodland Hospital, Dr. GR Milli said the hospital is carrying out the drive on Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
At NEIGRIHMS, 19 people took the shots. NEIGRIHMS authorities said they are expecting a rush since they have just started the drive for the general public.
Additional Joint Director of Health Services, Dr SS Nongbri said the response from people has been very encouraging. He said people, aged above 60 years, are more aware of getting vaccinated, especially in West Garo Hills and East Khasi Hills.
“I would request the citizens, especially elderly people or those with comorbidities, to come forward and get vaccinated. The condition will not flare if you have taken the vaccine,” Dr. Nongbri said.
According to him, vaccination is also important since there is no cure for the disease. “The people, who are suffering from chronic diseases like hypertension, diabetes and cancer, need to get vaccinated for protection from the virus,” he added.