Expert knowledge on why menstruating women were denied COVID jabs in Karnataka
By yacoob md | First Published Jul 4, 2021, 5:46 PM ISTAs reports of menstruating women from North Karnataka reportedly denied vaccine jabs at health centers stating that they may experience 'fatigue', gynecologists say that it is wrong to deny the jab as it won't make any difference if women and girls are menstruating.
While the state government is vaccinating the public at war footing in its fight against Covid, reports of women and young girls being denied jabs on the pretext of 'menstruating' have surfaced.
Yesterday reports said that some women in Raichur, Belagavi and Bidar have been denied Covid jabs and asked to come after 5 days as they were menstruating.
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As this report went viral, noted Gynecologist and pediatrician Dr Asha Benakappa from Dr Chandramma Dayananda Sagar Institute of Medical Education and Research says such incidents will defeat the vaccination program.
"Myths and misconceptions galore in vaccination drives, as it is we have vaccine hesitancy! All menstruating women should be vaccinated. There is an urgency to vaccinate 70% of the population to prevent the spread of coronavirus. The third wave is round the corner, and I don't know what challenges we have," Dr Benakappa told Asianet Newsable.
She further added that the only way to protect is vaccination, in addition to the mask, social distancing and sanitizers/handwashing with soap and water.
It was reported that health activist Vidhya Patil has come across such cases from the North Karnataka belt.
Pointing out a reported incident, the activist allegedly said that in Raichur without any scientific data, the health workers denied the women who were approaching for a vaccine saying that the shot may lead to further bleeding and fatigue and hence asked them to come after five days.
However, the authorities have said the government has not issued any such order to delay vaccinating menstruating women and girls.
NOTE: Asianet News humbly requests everyone to wear masks, sanitize, maintain social distancing and get vaccinated as soon as eligible. Together we can and will break the chain #ANCares #IndiaFightsCorona
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