The Malda district health department will soon introduce “Vaccine Express”, a van that will run across the district to expedite Covid-19 vaccination process, especially among those who are yet to take their second dose.

The department has also decided to launch an extensive campaign in each of the blocks from December 15, to encourage people to visit the van when it reaches their locality and get themselves jabbed on the spot.

According to sources, based on the electoral roll of the district, a target to jab 29.5 lakh people was set in Malda. Among them, around 25.40 lakh people have received at least one dose, while around 10 lakh have received both the doses.

“The first-dose vaccination is in progress to cover the remaining people, we are concerned about the second dose. There are around 4.13 lakh people who are scheduled to get their second dose but these people are not reaching out to hospitals and health centres. That is why the initiative has been launched,” said an official of the district health department.

He mentioned that the department has already identified the blocks where the rate of second vaccination is low. “The Vaccine Express will reach these blocks first. Local health workers will encourage people to complete their vaccination,” the official added.

Sabyasachi Chakraborty, the deputy chief medical officer of health (CMOH) III of the district, said because of reduction in active Covid cases, a section of people who took their first dose are not eager to get the second jab. “The Vaccine Express will elaborate on the need to finish the vaccination, especially when the virus is constantly mutating and new variants are being reported.”

Officials of the district administration said they have adequate stock of the vaccine to administer second dose to 4.13 lakh people. “All the vaccination centres are open for six days in a week and there is no shortage of vaccine. Those who are not taking their second doses on due time should realise that if a fresh wave hits the region, they are still in the vulnerable lot,” said an official.