AMU faculty speaks on UP vaccine roll out

Aligarh: People who waited fervently for a quick and effective solution to the raging pandemic are seen nonplussed after the Covid-19 vaccine roll-out, said Prof Zeeba Zaka-ur-Rab, Department of Paediatrics, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College (JNMC), Aligarh Muslim University (AMU).

She was speaking as a panellist in a webinar on ‘Covid-19 vaccine roll out in Uttar Pradesh: Challenges and Opportunities’ remotely hosted through Harvard’s Zoom platform, by Harvard T H Chan School of Public Health – India Research Center and Project SANCHAR.

“Like in Uttar Pradesh (UP), delay in acceptance or refusal of vaccine against Covid-19 despite its availability, is a key hindrance in achieving optimal vaccination coverage among populations around the globe,” added Prof Zeeba.

Discussing vaccine hesitancy in UP, Prof Zeeba pointed out that adept experts predicted uncertainty among people months before the vaccine rollout. But the hesitance was expected to fade away with the vaccination drive.

She pointed out: “Now there is a second Covid wave, people need to be wary about it and follow all the regulations and protocols including social distancing, wearing of masks and regular sanitisation “.

Prof Zeeba stressed the need for self-restraint and self discipline.