It is indeed remarkable that India has achieved both the highest number of vaccinations as well as highest percentage of population being vaccinated . This is an unparalleled large-scale implementation in handling the pandemic while considering welfare of all at home with ‘Sabka Saath’ and abroad with Vaccine Maitri. Right communication regarding vaccines at the grassroots level was pivotal. For this, a five-point strategic action framework was utilized to draw up the guidelines – Advocacy; Capacity Building; Media Engagement and social media; Social Mobilization and Community Engagement; and Crisis Communication using AEFI (Adverse Events Following Immunization).
One of the key aspects that haven’t gotten enough attention is the vaccination teams’ compassionate attitude and approach during the vaccination drive. All were trained to engage and show empathy to beneficiaries seeking information or sharing their concerns irrespective of their socio-economic or demographic status. The first and foremost preparatory step that was imperative prior to the launch of the vaccination drive was to train and build the capacity of skilled resource personnel. The success of the vaccination initiative was highly dependent upon the quality of training being provided.
Following the successful development of two vaccines – the indigenously developed COVAXIN and AstraZeneca’s COVISHIELD through technology transfer – India embarked on a new herculean task of vaccine distribution to every nook and corner of the country. Government formulated the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration (NEGVAC) for COVID-19. NEGVAC facilitated the high level of coordination required at the national, state, and district levels to establish effective levels of coordination among key departments. The Co-WIN platform was at the heart of the vaccination drive. The software performed the crucial functions of registration, real-time status on booked and available booking slots on different dates and at different sites, end-to-end implementation of vaccine process, etc. at national, state, district and block levels. In the global battle against COVID- 19, various low-cost innovative technologies developed and scaled up by start-ups from all over the country played a critical role. E-Sanjeevani, the largest telemedicine service, made its efforts towards successful communication. State-level monitors undertook the continuous supervision of vaccine arrival and distribution cycle and ensured quality orientation in vaccine receipt and distribution.
Right information has changed the minds of those who were skeptical about inoculation, and turned the Indian vaccination journey from resistance to acceptance.
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