UPHC Duncan runs out of vaccine doses

A woman gets vaccinated at UPHC Duncan, Dimapur on April 22. (Morung Photo)

A woman gets vaccinated at UPHC Duncan, Dimapur on April 22. (Morung Photo)

200 vials to arrive from Kohima today

Morung Express News
Dimapur | April 22

As the number of people getting vaccinated against COVID-19 sees tremendous increase day by day, the availability of the vaccine is also declining at the Urban Primary Health Centre, Duncan in Dimapur.

Interacting with The Morung Express at her office chamber on April 22, Medical Officer in charge of the Centre, Dr Rose informed that the centre had used up all its vaccine vials by the end of the day.

“We are receiving around 200 vials of vaccine from Kohima for tomorrow’s session. Those beneficiaries receiving 2nd dose will be given priority,” she stated. 

She further informed that the Centre has vaccinated over 3,900 beneficiaries. She said that on average 100-150 doses of vaccine were being administered on daily basis when the government announced eligibility of persons above 60 years. After the eligibility was brought down to 45 years, the daily average of people getting vaccinated at the Centre increased to 200 plus. “But people who are above 60 years are showing more enthusiasm to get vaccinated,” Dr Rose informed.

Observing that many are still hesitant to get vaccinated, Dr Rose said, “It is safe and there is nothing to worry about it.” 

 “I urge all eligible persons to get vaccinated. There will be minor reactions like body ache, headache, fever but it is quite normal after getting vaccinated while some may not experience such symptoms,” she said. The Medical Officer in charge informed that many people with diabetes, hypertension, dialysis, liver disease etc are apprehensive of getting the vaccine but added that such group of people should get themselves vaccinated on priority. 

She said many prominent senior citizens and retired government functionaries have got themselves vaccinated from the Centre which is managed by 18 employees at present. The total strength of staff at the Centre is 24 but six of them have been assigned for duty at the Dimapur Airport. The MO in charge appreciated the support received from the Duncan Council, Lotha Baptist Church Dimapur, Medical Directorate, Kohima and CMO Dimapur.

When asked about her experience of working at the Centre, one health worker said the most common question from the beneficiaries was whether there would be any major side effects. “We tell them that they might experience fever or body ache but it usually lasts for two days and the symptoms are managed with a plain paracetamol. Majority of who come here to get vaccinated are elderly people,” she said. 

She informed that as of April 22, they were administering vaccines to both fresh beneficiaries and those needing second doses.

A beneficiary who got vaccinated with both first and second doses from the same Centre said that she did not experience any symptoms. “After taking the second dose, I feel more safe and protected from Corona but I am still wearing masks whenever I go out,” she said.

UPHC Duncan is open from Monday to Saturday starting 9:00am to 4:00pm.