Dr Asangba Tzudir
As reported recently the number of beneficiaries in Nagaland receiving both first and second dose or ‘full vaccination’ stood at 85,472 which is just 6.3% of the targeted population. As per an official source, the expected immunity of population for the virus to spread transmission is around 65-70% which is also subject to immune escape by variants of concern – mutation or discovery of new variants, which may be more resistant to existing vaccines.
As of now the overall target is to cover 90% coverage of eligible beneficiaries with atleast the first dose. As of July 8, Nagaland has administered 4,99,752 eligible beneficiaries with the first dose and 85,472 with the second dose for a combined total of 585,224. The percentage of vaccination among the age group of 60 years and above amounts to 59.89% which is 3,51,506.
Within the given status of vaccination the HPC has made Covid-19 complete vaccination certificate mandatory for inter-state and inter-district travel in Nagaland. Before this, the guideline was to carry a negative test report within a time frame of 72 hours for such travel.
Now, with a gap of almost 3 months given to get the second dose after the first, the mandatory requirement of double vaccination becomes a problem for the inter-intra state travel. This move by HPC, no doubt is a push towards achieving the targeted percentage of vaccinating the beneficiaries so also increase the overall immunity. But this guideline has come in the way of travel especially those requiring emergency travel. Provisions for exceptions and exemptions may be there but generally it also becomes a hassle for many in times of emergencies.
Those who are adamant to take vaccine is a different case, but since there is a long time gap between the first and the next dose, imposing a mandatory second dose for travel seems a bit rigid. It would have been good if Covid-19 Negative test result taken within 72 hours was rather made mandatory for the inter-state and inter-district travel instead of the mandatory double vaccination.
However, with positivity rate going above 10% in a matter of days from around 5%, vaccination though not yet mandatory seems to be the only way out to achieve immunity, for the safety of all and for a return to normalcy.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir writes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
