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From top doctors to sanitary workers: Check how many people in TN got vaccinated for COVID-19

By alagu, 16 January, 2021
India, Tamilnadu, COVID-19, Coronavirus

On Saturday, India has taken a major leap ahead to defeat what has been haunting the nation for a year. In what has become a global clinical breakthrough, India has launched the largest vaccination drive to treat the COVID-19 pandemic and the initial phase of the vaccination was rolled out across the nation with the target of administering the indigenous vaccines to the three crore frontline workers. 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the vaccination drive in Delhi virtually in the presence of various stakeholders and he said that the drive was a pride to the nation. He added that India's vaccines reflect the country's advancements in the field of science and medicine and the Prime Minister said that those who are at the highest risk of getting infected will be vaccinated first. 

When the Prime Minister green flagged the launch, the drive began in the states and the union territories. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Edappadi Palaniswami has inaugurated the vaccination drive in Government Rajaji General Hospital in Madurai. As the drive is for covering the frontline workers, Tamil Nadu government doctors association president Dr. K Senthil, Indian Medical Association National President Dr. Jayalal, and Dean of Rajaji Hospital Dr. Sangumani were among the first to be vaccinated.

The doctors were vaccinated in Madurai in the presence of the Chief Minister, the Health Minister, the Health Secretary, and other ministers and officials. Following the launch, the vaccination drive had successfully begun in various parts of Tamil Nadu including Chennai, Coimbatore, and Tirunelveli. As the nation has taken one step further to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, the drive has gained global attention with several countries are monitoring how India's vaccination drive is getting unfolded. 

The vaccination drive in Coimbatore began at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital at 12 pm on Saturday. According to reports, the head of the Department of Pediatrics Dr. V Booma was the first beneficiary to receive the vaccine in the district. Following Booma, hospital Dean Dr. Kalidas received the vaccine. The vaccination drive in Coimbatore was inaugurated by local minister SP Velumani. The first batch of beneficiaries said they did not see any adverse effects after the vaccination. 

Dr. Booma said she had volunteered to be the first beneficiary of the vaccine and speaking to media, Booma said, "I was excited about getting the first shot in the district. I think it's a proud moment because I believe vaccination is what will help us defeat COVID-19 and I'm happy that it reduces the risk of me getting infected and passing it on my hundreds of patients". Along with the doctors, many post-graduate medical students, hospital administrative staff, and sanitary workers had also received vaccines. 

The Tamil Nadu government had installed 166 centers across the state including the government and private to carry out the vaccination drive. While 160 centers had the doses of Covishield vaccine, the rest of the six centers had both Covishield and Covaxin vaccines and the beneficiaries are allowed to choose the vaccines in these six centers. The beneficiaries were mandated to fill up the consent form before getting vaccinated. 

The vaccination drive has got an overwhelming response and on the first day of the drive, 2,783 frontline workers were vaccinated in Tamil Nadu while Chennai had seen half of the total numbers. Amid the concerns of the efficacy, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Vijayabaskar has on Saturday said that no vaccine beneficiary in the state had reported the adverse effect of the doses and the government claimed that the first day of the drive was a success. 

Following the inauguration in Madurai, Chief Minister Edappadi Palansiwami said that vaccination is for all Indians to protect themselves against the COVID-19 viral infection and that this milestone in COVID-19 prevention is made possible by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. When asked whether he would get vaccinated, the Chief Minister said that vaccine is for everyone but the healthcare providers were being prioritized now since they are more prone to infection. 

Earlier, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Vijayabaskar and Health Secretary Radhakrishnan said that they are ready to take vaccines to allay fears. On Saturday, Tamil Nadu had seen some of the reputed doctors of the state to get vaccinated. Apollo Hospitals Chairman Dr. Prathap Reddy and MGR Medical University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Sudha Seshayan were among the reputed doctors who received vaccines. 

According to the Union Health Ministry, 1,65,714 frontline workers across India had received vaccines on Saturday and Andhra Pradesh had recorded the highest number of vaccinations with 16,963 followed by Bihar with 16,401 frontline workers receiving vaccines. After taking the vaccine, Dr. Prathap Reddy said, "I'm happy that I took COVID19 vaccine today. By the time I take 2nd shot, my immunity will increase. I hope everyone in India will also have the hope & confidence that "my turn will come, & I'll not hesitate in taking vaccine". According to reports, the beneficiaries must take the second shot of the vaccine after which they will develop immunity to fight the COVID-19 pandemic. 

 

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