More than 50% of frontline staff in Tamil Nadu yet to get two doses of Covid-19 vaccine

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has made a big push for Covid vaccination, but more than half its own 9.7 lakh frontline workers have not taken both doses. Worse, nearly 1.7 lakh or 18% of these workers, who include policemen, revenue officials and local body staff, have not taken even a single dose of the Covid vaccine.

The vaccination drive opened for frontline workers in February 2021, but data from the immunisation wing under the directorate of public health show only 4.4 lakh have taken two doses.

Among healthcare providers — doctors, nurses, paramedics and other hospital staff — only 64% have taken two doses though 97% of them have taken the first dose. Of the 5.6 lakh people in this category, 3.6 lakh are double vaccinated.

"We encourage everyone to take the vaccine. They are available in all government hospitals and PHCs," said director of public health Dr T S Selva Vinayagam. "Last week, the Centre told the Supreme Court that it has not made vaccinations mandatory. Following the Centre's guideline, we have not made vaccination mandatory," he said.Selva Vinayagam said, "But we have said that to enter workplaces, managers must ensure staff and eligible family members are double vaccinated. For entry to public spaces such as malls, double vaccination is a must."In addition to healthcare and frontline workers, nearly half the number of people above 60 years are not double vaccinated, increasing the risk of hospitalisation and death. Over the past two weeks more than 80% of the deaths have been among people above the age of 60 years.

Overall in the state, nearly 89% of people above 15 years have taken one dose and 63% have taken both doses.

Several experts across the state have warned that the slow pace of vaccination will increase public health risks by giving viruses the chances to transmit and mutate rapidly. "Vaccination must be done on a war footing at least now. Delays will increase risk of hospitalizations and deaths," said Vellore-based virologist Dr T Jacob John.

The medical experts panel, which met chief minister M K Stalin on Thursday to discuss prevention and management of Covid-19 also asked the state health department to offer booster doses as early as possible to healthcare providers, frontline workers, and senior citizens.

Legal experts say while the centre has made a submission before the apex courts, states are free to make their own mandates. "Health is a state subject. To ensure the safety of its citizens there is no harm in making vaccination compulsory. The state must strictly enforce its decision not to permit people without double vaccines in any public or workspaces," said retired high court judge Justice N Kirubakaran.