Guwahati: As many as three cases of adverse reaction to the COVID vaccines have been reported in the state on the first day of nationwide COVID-19 vaccination drive on Saturday.

The Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI) cases were reported one each from Tinsukia, Golaghat and Bongaigaon with minor issues and after observation and symptomatic treatment were released.

A GNM from Bongaigaon had reported giddiness and recovered after observation. Similarly an ANM in Bokaghat complained of giddiness and an ASHA from Tinsukia district complained of mild itching. Both recovered after symptomatic treatment and observation as per protocol.

At least 65 vaccination sites, including seven medical colleges and 24 district hospitals, have been identified in the state. Each site would administer vaccine to 100 persons in a day.

The vaccine will be given in two doses and both the doses have to be from the same vaccine. The second dose for all these beneficiaries are kept secured at the State Vaccine Store and will be delivered as per schedule.

So far, 3,528 beneficiaries have been given the first dose of vaccination on day one in Assam.

However, two Assam medical colleges witnessed a poor 40% turnout after the immunisation process kicked off.

It is known that, only 27 of the 100 benefeciaries turned up for vaccination in the Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Medical College and Hospital (FAAMCH) in lower Assam’s Barpet district.

Officials cite the use of controversial Covaxin as one of the reasons for many health workers.

Tezpur Medical College and Hospital in Sonitpur saw only 52 of the 100 beneficiaries. The two medical colleges in Sonitpur and Barpeta are among the six centres in both districts where Covaxin is being administered. The centres in rest of the state have got Covishield.

Assam joined the nation the launching the COVID-19 vaccination drive on Saturday, with a medical officer in Golaghat district becoming the first person in the state to receive the jab.

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