VACCINATION DRIVE

The Delta variant showed the importance of vaccination. In India, like in most countries, there has been a spread of misinformation about the vaccine. Rather than tackle this on a macro level, which would not have been feasible, CHIRAJ along with our local partners (CNRAMDAS Trust and STS Foundation) decided to treat this on a micro level.

The Objective was to get 100% vaccinations for the villagers of the Kovalam panchayat. This meant we had to inoculate 7,000 villagers (2 doses). To solve the vaccine hesitancy we can decide to provide incentives to the villagers to get vaccinated. Innovative approach of providing freshly prepared “biriyani” to all those vaccinated, augmented with multiple raffle prize opportunities. Prizes range from food processors to washing machines and motor scooters!

On the ground, STS Foundation has executed a very well-planned, efficiently organized and locally manned vaccine camp to run till the objectives are achieved. Safety precautions for the volunteers and villagers coming in for vaccinations have been the primary factor in providing pre-registrations, SMS updates on available vaccine slots, a socially distanced arrival lounge, batch processing of Aadhar verification and entry into COWIN, a private room for vaccinations, socially distanced waiting area post-vaccination, medical briefing by the doctor-in-charge for potential side effects, printed vaccination certificate from COWIN, provision of biriyani, entry into the raffle and exit from the camp.

The result was 500+ villagers vaccinated over 5 days of the camp. Vaccination pace is restricted only by the availability of vaccines. Significant social buzz has been generated with all villagers excited by the camp and pleased with the cleanliness, social distancing and comfort of the camp. This is a model for other towns/villages where vaccine hesitancy is still very high. We are happy to report that early 2022 we crossed 12,000 vaccination doses.