In the rural regions of the Aurangabad district, the Covid-19 vaccination drive for pregnant women and breastfeeding moms has had a low response.
Out of nine Talukas 52, 202 pregnant women, only 1,274 women from had gotten at least one vaccination dose, resulting in an appalling 2.44% coverage in this group.
Official statistics shows that vaccination rates among breastfeeding moms are 1.49 %, with just 714 of the 47,620 women receiving at least one dose of the Covid vaccine.
Despite the fact that the dedicated immunisation programme was officially launched about three months ago, health officials say there are few takers.
A senior official from the Zilla Parishad (ZP) said, “Vaccine hesitancy is higher among the pregnant women and lactating mothers in the rural areas when compared to the urban pockets of the district. The women should get vaccinated without any fear or hesitation to ensure safety for themselves and their infants”.
The vaccination is safe for pregnant women and their foetuses, according to the official, and nursing moms may continue to feed their new-borns after getting the vaccine.
An official said, “Unlike in the past, the vaccination drive is going on smoothly in rural areas. Considering the possible threat of a third wave, every eligible individual should get vaccinated as soon as possible”.
Only 2.3 % of persons with disabilities, out of a target population of 9,332, and 7.2 % of bed-ridden adults (out of 1,864) have gotten the first dosage so far among the other selected vulnerable categories for the targeted vaccination effort.
On Monday, the district reported nine new cases of Covid-19, four of which were in rural regions. There are 112 current cases in the district.
