Nagaland rolls out COVID-19 vaccination campaign; CM dispels rumours

KOHIMA: Nagaland started its COVID-19 vaccination drive on Saturday in Kohima, after Prime Minister launched the nationwide vaccination programme through a video conference earlier today.

In Nagaland, the COVID-19 vaccination was officially launched by Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima, and at Dimapur District Hospital by Health Minister S Pangnyu Phom.

The vaccination drive was also launched in eight other districts across the state.

Nagaland CM expressed his happiness that the state could also participate in the launching of the vaccine drive.

The first person who received the vaccination was Dr Sentimeren Aonok, Consultant at Naga Hospital.

"The vaccine was absolutely safe for the people and I urge the general public not to panic and get carried away with the faulty rumours and prophecies which is doing the rounds," Dr Aonok said after receiving the vaccination.

Meanwhile, the Chief Minister raised concern over prophecies and rumours of the vaccines having an impact on the religious sentiments and has requested the church leaders to discuss and give their opinions.

"These kinds of prophecy going viral on social media can cause a lot of panic to the people", Rio stated.

Around 100 beneficiaries will be vaccinated at each session site on an inaugural day.

The vaccination will be given first to the Health Care Workers and other frontline warriors, both from the government and private facilities.

The state received 26,500 vials of Covid shield which will be given in 1,206 vaccination sites across the state.

In the first phase, Nagaland has set a target to immunise 900 health care workers across the state. The first phase of the drive will continue for a week.

(Edited by Gabriel G Momin)