Vaccination drive in UP to get a boost with Cluster Model 2.0

In a bid to speed up the COVID-19 vaccination coverage in the state, the government of Uttar Pradesh has decided to adopt the 'Cluster Model 2.0'. Focusing on the administration of the second and the final dose, this new strategy will be implemented from November 1 in rural areas. Notably, the UP government had earlier organised an inoculation drive at the block level by creating mini clusters. The second version of this model that will be implemented next month, includes a few additional changes.

Cluster Model 2.0 to focus on full vaccination

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In view of the low second dose coverage, the administration has decided to gear up the inoculation drive in the rural areas. To determine the progress of total vaccination, villages will be divided into three categories through this cluster model. Based on the status of vaccination, villages that complete full vaccination of their beneficiaries will be marked as 'Covid Safe Villages.'

On the basis of vaccination assessment by lekhpals, villages will be split into three brackets- those with 95% or more first dose vaccination, 80% to 95 % first dose vaccination, and less than 80% first dose vaccination. According to the officials, the vaccination drive will be prioritised based on this list.

Talking about this initiative the Additional chief secretary (ACS), health, Amit Mohan Prasad said, "In addition to the current strategy, efforts are required to achieve the desired target. Giving priority to full vaccination, the work of applying the second dose using the Cluster Model 2.0 should be done in those villages/localities where the first dose was successfully administered through the cluster model."

Low turnout for the second jab raises concern

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Meanwhile, as per the official data, while around 65% have received at least one dose of the vaccine only 20% of beneficiaries in UP are fully vaccinated as of now. Reportedly, more than 12 crore people have been inoculated in the state currently, including 2.95 crore people who have received both doses.

The number of cases has witnessed a significant drop in UP, with just 13 cases reported on Sunday. These cases were reported from Lucknow, Gautam Buddha Nagar and Sitapur and the other 41 districts had no active cases. As per reports, the tally of active cases in the state which had dropped below 100, stands at 103 at present.