Shillong, Jan 14: A robust communication strategy has been put in place in the State to roll our vaccination, and information related to the vaccination drive so as to alleviate apprehensions about the vaccine, ensure its acceptance and encourage uptake.

As part of this, Meghalaya Health Department on Thursday organized the State Media enactment workshop in Shillong.

Addressing vaccine ‘hesitancy’ that could arise because of apprehensions around vaccine safety, efficacy; and any other myths and misconceptions, World Health Organisation, Surveillance Medical Officer, Dr. N Roy said, “Vaccines protect against diseases for which we have no cure.”

On the reinfection cases which are being reported in the country, the health department said people who have recovered from the virus infection will also be vaccinated.

Stressing on the need to have vaccination, Dr. Roy said, “We got information that people tested positive for the virus then they recovered and after a few days they again started showing symptoms, they were tested and found positive.”

“These cases were documented in other states in India, it has been documented in other countries and that is why the requirement for a vaccine at the earliest ,” he added.

“So it’s important for people to understand why there was panic regarding the virus because there was no treatment available, there was no vaccine available, but now that a vaccine is available, we are hoping that we can stop the transmission using this vaccine which will be having good coverage,” he added.

‘Vaccines can protect your child’

“If you are not giving the vaccine actually you are taking the chance that your child gets infected,” Roy said adding “It is going to be a choice of life and death.”

“Vaccines which are licensed are all WHO prequalified, so they are safe and effective,” Dr. Roy said.

“Once a person is vaccinated, after 28 days he has to be given the second dose, two does per person is recommended,” the Medical officer said.

The workshop gave a fair idea about the online registration for virus vaccination, apart from highlighting the key questions often raised with regard to this vaccination drive.