The students of microbiology have become active in generating awareness about the Covid pandemic, its impact, and the importance of vaccination. The teachers have been motivating the students for taking an active part in awareness programs.
In the Vidarbha region, BSc students in Pombhurna motivated villagers to take vaccines. Similar efforts were made by M.Sc-I students of Rajasthan Aryan College, Washim. The students under the guidance of their teacher Rachana Pachori counseled about 550 eligible persons. Out of this 500 were inoculated after the students’ intervention. They were reluctant to get vaccinated.
Majority of them had stated that they do not have faith in efficacy of the vaccine. Some others were concerned about side-effects of the vaccine. The younger ones were not concerned about getting the infection. Some of them had refused to take vaccine without any concrete reason or felt that it is an exercise in futility.
Following counselling by the students, spread in six tahasils of Washim district, the students have recorded the findings of their work and have analysed it with the help of their teacher. President of Maharashtra and Goa branch of Microbiologists Society of India Ddr Sanjeev Patankar helped them in analysing the data.
It was observed that majority of the persons who opted for inoculation, were in 45-52 years of age group. The lowest number were in 81-87 years of age.
The need for further motivation has also been recorded by the students. The seniors, particularly above 71 years of age, require further motivation for vaccination.
The study has also mentioned that the sale of anti-viral, vitamin supplements, zinc tablets and other drugs have increased many-folds during the pandemic. The reasons quoted include rise in Covid patients and also self-medication by people.
People will have to inform about side-effects of these medicines and prevent them from consuming the drugs without consulting registered medical practitioner.
Prof Pachori stated that the project was supported by Subhashji Rathi,
President Rajasthan Education Society, Rajendraji Somani, Secretary Rajasthan Education Society and Principal Dr Milankumar Sancheti, Rajasthan Aryans Mahavidyalaya, Washim.
