Mumbai lags behind in terms of childhood vaccinations

As the Covid cases dropped last month, most parents threw caution to the wind and did not have their children vaccinated. The preceding state can be statistically verified, as Mumbai ranks 36th in the state in terms of immunising children aged 12 to 14. While it ranks 31st in terms of vaccinating children aged 15 to 17. According to statistics, only 28.24 percent of children aged 12 to 14 have received their first dose, while 57.12 percent of those aged 15 to 17 have received a partial vaccination.

 

Corbevax vaccine, produced by Hyderabad-based Biological E Ltd, is used to immunise children aged 12 to 15. The vaccine is given 28 days apart from the second dose. However, parents have begun inquiring at vaccination centres after being alarmed by the pandemic surge. Meanwhile, the civic body is running a 'Har Ghar Dastak' campaign to reach out to parents and persuade them to vaccinate their children.

 

According to BMC executive health officer Dr. Managala Gomare, there are several reasons why Mumbai is falling behind in vaccinating teenagers. To address the issue, the civic body compiled a list of unvaccinated teenagers and distributed it to all health officers in each ward.

 

Gomare described adolescent vaccination as the "biggest challenge," adding, "We are trying to increase awareness of vaccines through Information, Education and Communication" (IEC). Furthermore, 'Har Ghar Dastak' will be useful in locating children or adolescents who have missed vaccines due to apprehension."

 

According to one of the paediatric taskforce members, they have spoken to paediatricians and held workshops with parents and teachers to emphasise the importance of vaccination even among children. "Another reason for low turnout is that parents do not have time to take their children to vaccination centres." In such cases, having a vaccination camp in schools will be beneficial. It should be organised by class. "Children will also benefit from the safety of their school and seeing their friends receive the vaccine together," the member explained.

 

 

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