Covid-19 vaccine hesitancy can be dangerous; ignore rumours: PM Modi
Rumours fear about coronavirus vaccines can be dangerous for India as the pandemic is not over, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday.
“I have taken both doses. My mother is almost hundred years old, she has taken both vaccines too. Please do not believe any negative rumours relating to vaccines,” he said on Mann ki Baat, his monthly radio speech to the nation.
“Those who are spreading rumours on vaccines, let them be. The threat of Covid-19 remains we have to focus on vaccination,” he said.
India vaccinated on June 21 more than 8 million people marking a new phase of the campaign where the government provides free inoculation to states. Bloomberg reported last week that experts believe even this unprecedented pace may not be fast enough for a country just emerging from a devastating second wave to head off a third one.
Modi held a meeting on Saturday to review the coronavirus pandemic in the country, expressing satisfaction at the rate of vaccination but calling for the outreach to be widened with the help of NGOs, his office said.
“Officials gave a detailed presentation to the PM on the progress of vaccination in the country. PM was briefed about the age-wise vaccination coverage. PM was also briefed about the vaccine coverage among healthcare workers, frontline workers general population in various states,” a statement from his office said.
The meeting came amid growing concerns about the Delta Plus variant of the coronavirus an impending third wave.
Dear Reader,
Business Standard has always strived hard to provide up-to-date information commentary on developments that are of interest to you have wider political economic implications for the country the world. Your encouragement constant feedback on how to improve our offering have only made our resolve commitment to these ideals stronger. Even during these difficult times arising out of Covid-19, we continue to remain committed to keeping you informed updated with credible news, authoritative views incisive commentary on topical issues of relevance.
We, however, have a request.
As we battle the economic impact of the pandemic, we need your support even more, so that we can continue to offer you more quality content. Our subscription model has seen an encouraging response from many of you, who have subscribed to our online content. More subscription to our online content can only help us achieve the goals of offering you even better more relevant content. We believe in free, fair credible journalism. Your support through more subscriptions can help us practise the journalism to which we are committed.
Support quality journalism subscribe to Business Standard.
Digital Editor