Do not fear, get vaccinated: PM urges all

Health Desk :    |    ০৮:১১ পিএম, ২০২২-০১-০৯

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today urged all to get vaccinated without unnecessary fear to fight off Covid-19 and its new variants.

"I request all, please get vaccinated... do not fear. This vaccine will save your lives. Maybe you will suffer for a few days (if infected by the virus), but your life will be saved. That's why my request to all is that don't fear and take jabs," Hasina said.

She made the call while addressing the foundation stone unveiling ceremony of 460-bed integrated cancer, kidney and heart units at medical colleges in eight divisional cities of the country.

Held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium, the Prime Minister joined the programme virtually from her official residence Gono Bhaban.

The Prime Minister said the government has managed some 31 crore coronavirus jabs for the people of the country. "No one will be left unvaccinated," she said.

Hasina said many are unwilling to take vaccines fearing the negligible pain caused by the injection needle in addition to various negative propaganda against vaccination. "Our target is to put 80 percent of the total population, except minors, under the vaccination coverage to save them from the coronavirus and its new variant Omicron."

As the new variant is also infecting children, the government has started vaccinating those over the age of 12, she said, adding, "Whenever WHO announces the age of children for taking jabs, we'll start vaccinating them as per its guidelines. By now, we've given more than 13 crore doses, including double doses. We've started giving booster doses as well, as I want people of the country to remain safe."

Hasina called upon all to strictly follow the health guidelines as the Omicron variant of coronavirus is spreading fast across the world. "Please use masks and avoid mass gatherings."

The Prime Minister mentioned that for vaccines, the government has made everything free when many countries, including those that are developed, around the world are not doing so. "Serving people is our prime task. We've set aside allocations in the budget for this, and we'll do whatever is needed to continue the vaccination drive."

Health Minister Zahid Maleque and Health Services Division Senior Secretary Lokman Hossain Miah also spoke at the programme.

A video on development of health facilities in the country was screened at the programme.