Guwahati : An effective Knowledge Infrastructure is the bedrock for effective Covid Vaccination Process, experts opined in a Webinar organised by Press Information Bureau, Guwahati on the topic 'FAQs for effective Covid-19 Vaccination Process for entire North Eastern States' here today. Experts from Medical along with academicians deliberated and discussed in detail about the frequently asked questions related to inoculation, Covid-19 Vaccination process and its awareness from medical, psychological, academic, societal and policy perspective.

Dr Subhas Singh, Director and HoD, Department of Organon of Medicine, Chronic Diseases, Homeopathic Philosophy and Medicine, National Institute of Homeopathy, Kolkata said that Technology and Public Information Awareness are the pivotal drivers for the successful Covid- 19 Vaccination. He said that the role of media and journalists is essentially not only about information communication but also a responsibility to provide timely inform to citizens of the country in various districts, towns and villages. He said a Webinar of this nature is an endeavour in that direction. Dr. Singh elaborated on frequently asked Questions such as would Covid-19 vaccine pertains everyone, as he said that the first group would include healthcare and frontline workers.

He further said that the second group would be person aged more than 50 years and those with comorbidities. He said that subsequently the vaccine would be made available to all others. He said this it is essential that those with high-risk group to be vaccinated on priority. Dr Manzoor Ahmad, MS(Surgery), ZVM Unani Medical College and Hospital, Pune said that there is nothing to worry or be concerned about efficacy as the Covid-19 Vaccine is introduced in the country only after regulatory bodies have provide permission on vital aspects such as safety and efficacy. Talking about Ministry of Health and Family Affairs awareness initiatives, Dr Ahmad said that it is advisable that the vaccine complete schedule be completed for protection as talked about the Government guidelines in Vaccination endeavour.

Dr. Lopamudra Datta, Principal, Guru Nanak Institute of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology said that Covid-19 vaccination process is very planned one after many discussions. Talking about Ministry of Health and Family Affairs regular awareness initiatives, Dr Datta said that the Subject Expert Committee of Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) had many discussions as she mentioned as Phase I and Phase II clinical trials were done and the results have demonstrated that the vaccine is safe.

She replied one of the common Questions related to vaccine is does it necessitate for a Covid recovered person to take the vaccine, as she said that it is advisable to have a complete schedule of the Vaccine irrespective of the past history of infection as it would help in developing a strong and healthy response for the health. Shri L. R. Sailo, Regional Director, Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Aizawl, Mizoram emphasised the role of media and communication in this Vaccination endeavour. He said that Health Department officials and doctors have led and demonstrated their diligence in tackling Covid-19 situation.

He urged the youth and particularly the senior members of a family to be positive and to be psychologically strong and optimistic. He said that PIB Guwahati endeavour via. this webinar is good sensitizing session for public awareness. Shri Sunil Kalai, HoD, Department of Journalism and Mass Communication, Tripura University,Suryamaninagar, Agartala, Tripura said that it is essential that entire schedule of vaccination is completed by one type of vaccine as different Covid-19 vaccines are not interchangeable. He said that multiple vaccines should not be tried by one person as each vaccine works in a manner which is different from the other.

Abdur Rahman Mallick, Advocate Delhi High Court said that technology and public awareness are vital value-adding process in this vaccination endeavour. He said that awareness to people and talking about the Frequently asked Questions of common people are always welcome so that awareness and proper knowledge reach all the citizens of the country. The informative and knowledge webinar was planned and coordinated by Shri Samrat Bandyopadhyay, Joint Director (M & C), PIB, Guwahati. Senior officers of PIB were present in webinar. Ms Barnali Mahanta, Information Assistant, PIB Guwahati welcomed the experts as the webinar delved into details on the various aspects of the topic such as Covid information management including in the arena of health, efficacy of communication, among others. The interactive Webinar has enthusiastic participation of students, academicians and medical fraternity as they said that this information cum knowledge Webinar would help them in informed decision making and to be aware about the Covid precaution and about Vaccination process. Along with students, eminent journalists and other government senior officials from Doordarshan Guwahati, Regional Outreach Bureau, Guwahati, All India Radio Guwahati were also present on the occasion.