Demand for COVID booster shots decline

BY SUSHMA MAHARJAN,Kathmandu, Aug. 7: The number of individuals opting for booster doses of the COVID-19 vaccine has witnessed a significant decline compared to the number of people receiving the first dose and second/full dose.

When COVID-19 became more endemic and the memories of the COVID-19 pandemic started fading away and daily life returned to normalcy, people stopped receiving jabs.  

The Family Welfare Division of the Department of Health Services reports that, as of August 1, 2023, 83 per cent of the total population received the first dose, while 83.5 per cent completed the second/full dose routine. In contrast, a mere 34.4 per cent of the total population sought the first booster dose, and only 4.4 per cent secured the second booster dose.

As of the date, Nepal has received a cumulative total of 66,384,230 COVID-19 vaccine doses from diverse sources. Of these, 60,065,983 doses of COVID-19 vaccines (different types) had been safely administered which includes 11,343,264 booster doses.

The department informed that the Government of Nepal had initiated vaccination for all citizens ≥18 years, 12-17 years and 5-11 years who have completed primary series (full dose vaccination) with booster dose after three months of full-dose from April 3, 2022, June 9, 2022 and November 3, 2022 respectively. 

It has been 16 months since the availability of booster doses commenced. However, only 10,055,825 (34.4%) of the total population have received the first booster dose, and merely 1,287,439 (4.4%) have received the booster dose.

Dr. Abhiyan Gautam, Chief of Child Health and Immunisation Service Section of the division, said that in the past there was high demand of vaccination doses but a limited supply. In contrast, the current scenario exhibits sufficient supplies but diminished demand.

Dr. Gautam pointed out that the significant disparity between the percentages of recipients for full doses and booster doses could be attributed to instances where some individuals received double full doses, either out of fear of the virus or due to misplaced vaccination cards. Conversely, certain beneficiaries had misconceptions about the potential adverse effects of booster doses on their health, leading them to get no booster dose. 

He said that in an effort to identify such discrepancies, the department is planning to conduct a comprehensive coverage survey. 

This nationwide survey aims to collect data on vaccination status by conducting door-to-door visits, capturing information on beneficiaries' gender, age groups, and types of vaccinations received, he added. 

Additionally, the department has been conducting vaccination campaigns in coordination with the local levels to reach larger number of beneficiaries. Dr. Gautam said that earlier they had conducted booster doses campaign in Madhes Province targeting elderly and disabled citizens. Through the campaign they had vaccinated more than 100,000 citizens.

Meanwhile, at present, the department had coordinated with nine wards of the Kathmandu Metropolitan City for the conduction of the booster doses vaccination campaign. Ward No. 11, 17, 31, 14 and 6 are set to conduct a two-day campaign on August 6 and 7 while Ward No. 12, 19, 32, and 15 are for August 8 and 9. 

The department conducted a comprehensive training focused on reach of booster dose vaccination to larger beneficiaries. 

During the training session, it was informed that despite the waning fear of COVID-19, the disease remains present in society. 

It underscored that vaccination remains one of the most effective measures to control the spread, making it essential for individuals to continue seeking booster doses.