50% medicos in DK dist not vaccinated due to hesitancy

50% medicos in DK dist not vaccinated due to hesitancy

Kevin.Mendonsa@timesgroup.com

23.03.2021 

Mangaluru: Close to half the medical and nursing student community in Dakshina Kannada district is yet to be vaccinated. Officials say this is due to misinformation and influence of social media.

M Venkatraya Prabhu, dean, Kasturba Medical College, Mangaluru, said about 70% of medicos including postgraduates in his college have been vaccinated.

“Yes, a number of them are refusing to get the shot and the prime reason is misinformation and negative news,” Prabhu said. “We aim to achieve 100% vaccination by the end of May.”

In Nitte (deemed university) about 5,000 students, faculty, and non-teaching staff have been vaccinated. “While this number appears high, many [medical/dental/nursing students] have not come forward to take the jab,” said Dr Satheesh Kumar Bhandary, vice-chancellor. “The big reason is misinformation, pressure from parents urging them not to take the vaccine and psychological fear of side effects.” Dr Satheesh said he took both doses and his antibody count has increased.

However, many who earlier refused the jab are now turning up for the shot. “When the drive began, there were two schools of thought: One who were for the vaccine and the other who were hesitant,” said Ramachandra Bairy, DHO. “Many who were opposed to the vaccine are taking the shot now.”