Odisha: Experts hail vaccine drive for all above 18 years
BHUBANESWAR: The Centre’s decision to inoculate all above 18 years of age from May 1 and allow states to buy doses directly from the vaccine manufacturers was hailed by healthcare experts and political leaders.
“It is a welcome step. In the second wave, it has been noticed that not only elders with co-morbidities, but also a large number of youths are contracting the virus,” Dr Narayan Mishra, a senior physician, said.
Similarly, Dr Sidhartha Dash said, “If we vaccinate a large number of people, it will help in developing herd immunity and will enable them to fight the virus in the long run.”
Union minister Dharmendra Pradhan also lauded the Centre’s decision. “Welcome PM Narendra Modi ji’s largest vaccination drive. Vaccination for all above the age of 18 from May 1 will further strengthen our preparedness against Covid-19 and go a long way in ensuring safety and well-being of everyone in these difficult times,” Dharmendra tweeted.
Congress leader Suresh Routray said, “Now it is the responsibility of the state government to ensure that all eligible persons get vaccinated.”
Senior BJD leader Ranedra Pratap Swain, too, tweeted, “It is gratifying to know that the suggestions given by chief minister Naveen Patnaik have been accepted by the Prime Minister.”