30% People Observed Irregularities In COVID-19 Vaccine Administration, Suggest Govt To Open Vaccination For All Above 18: Survey

LocalCircles has conducted a survey around the issue of irregularities in the vaccine administration process as well as on the solution to it. As per the data collected from approximately 19,000 citizens located in 281 districts of India, it has been projected that 30 per cent of the citizens observed or experienced irregularities in regards to COVID-19 vaccine administration.

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While the second wave of Coronavirus stares straight in the face, the Government of India continues its ambitious ‘vaccination’ drive to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. However, since the vaccination drive began for citizens above age of 60 or those above 45 with co-morbidities, people have described how these norms are allegedly getting violated to make vaccination happen for those who don’t necessarily qualify. 

Taking a note of the feedback, LocalCircles has conducted a survey around both the issue of irregularities in the vaccine administration process as well as on the solution to it.

As per the data collected from approximately 19,000 citizens located in 281 districts of India, it has been projected that 30 per cent of the citizens observed or experienced irregularities in regards to COVID-19 vaccine administration.

When asked about what kind of irregularities they notices, the respondents said influencing or certification by healthcare professionals to qualify someone as co-morbid or as a health or frontline worker. Some highlighted that the admin workers are overcharging to qualify someone as co-morbid or as a health or frontline worker. People also said that there was administration of leftover doses to those using influence or providing monetary gratification.

It is to be noted that wastage of COVID-19 vaccine has shot-up since its inoculation started on January 16, 2021. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said that the average of COVID-19 vaccine wastage in India is 6.5 per cent with Telangana, Andhra Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh being the top 3 contributors to India's Covid-19 vaccine wastage.

Since wastage is to be minimised and there are plenty of vaccine doses available, the public said that Government should open vaccination on walk in and appointment basis at private hospitals and labs (those willing) after 6 pm for slightly extra charges. This according to people will lead to faster vaccination of the population and put an end to the malpractices reported.

75 per cent of citizens were in favour of the Government opening vaccination for all above 18 by permitting private labs and hospitals to vaccinate in after-hours via appointment and walk-in

Meanwhile, as per the latest figures, more than 3.64 Crore COVID-19 vaccine doses have been administered, so far out of which, 1.38 crore (All 1st doses) has been given to people aged 60 years and above, and people aged 45-59 years with comorbidities.