The world is a month away from 11 March 2020, which marks the day when WHO declared the Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) outbreak as a pandemic. The disease devastated millions of lives and livelihood across every country around the world.
2021 brought hope in the form of vaccines against COVID-19, with the Government of India rolling out the world’s largest vaccine drive on 16 of January 2021 to vaccinate 300 million health care workers, frontline workers and priority groups.
Health care and frontline workers, who tirelessly waged a relentless battle against the virus to prevent the spread of the infection and save lives, received the first doses of the vaccine across all states in the country.
In Meghalaya, around 30,000 health care workers from both public and private hospitals are on the list to get vaccinated against COVID-19 in the first phase. The state received 35,000 doses in the first vaccine consignment in early January 2021, and identified and trained over 1,400 vaccinators with support from WHO India to carry out the vaccination drive across the state in phased manner.
The North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), the only Medical College in the State was selected for the inaugural launch ceremony.
“Though needles are among the things I am scared of, I felt absolutely no pain. Even if anyone experiences some minor adverse events, they must keep in mind that it is normal to have little pain and mild fever,” said Emilastly Kurbah, Nursing Officer of NEIGRIHMS, was among the first beneficiaries to get the shot.
WHO India field teams are continuing to provide technical assistance and surge support for trainings, microplanning and monitoring of the vaccination drive in the state.
A look at the vaccine session at NEIGRIHMS, where hospital staff were among the first to receive shots.
“Our united objectives, sympathies, and actions tie us together with the string of solidarity,” said R. Khonglah (second from left), Nursing Superintendent, at NEIGRIHMS, Shillong, with her team before beginning a COVID-19 vaccination session.
Dr Neelanjan Roy, State Surveillance Officer, WHO-NPSP (Shillong Unit), with sanitation worker Sharlestin Susngi, 34, who received the first shot of the vaccine in Meghalaya.
“It is one of the best feelings to be a part of the world’s largest vaccination drive. I feel motivated to work even harder…,” said vaccinating Officer J. Marbaniang, as she drew out the first dose of vaccine in NEIGRIHMS, Shillong.
M.A Susngi, a 51 years old health care worker, was along those who got her first shot of the vaccine.
WHO staff explained the importance of getting both the doses of the vaccine and the need to continue with the observance of COVID Appropriate Behaviours by following the 3 Ws: Wash hands frequently; Wear masks properly covering both nose and mouth; and Watch your distance.
NEIGRIHMS nursing officer H. B. Rihnem Anal, and sanitation workers Tyngshoin Khongsam and Susngi after getting their vaccine shots in Meghalaya. The masks are in place, along with unfettered enthusiasm.