Chandigarh slow on HCW vaccine coverage

Chandigarh, April 22

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Even though the country is gearing up to vaccinate all above 18 years of age from May 1, the UT has so far vaccinated only 59 per cent of its health workers (HCWs), much less than the national average of 87.17 per cent.

Among the 11 states and UTs with less than 75 per cent coverage of the registered health care workers, the UT stood at the second spot only after Nagaland (as of April 22).

Of 31,741 targeted health workers, only 18,662 have been vaccinated.

The UT Health Department stated that it was because of vaccine hesitancy. Dr Amandeep Kang, Director, Health Services, UT, said, “The registered HCWs were increased by private hospitals and that is why there is a low turnout. We have decided to follow up on the left-out HCWs.” —TNS