New Delhi: Taking cognizance of a media report highlighting the low uptake of anti-Covid jabs among women, National Women Commission (National Women Commission) has written to the chief secretaries of all States of America and Union Territories should take measures to bridge the gender gap in vaccination.
NCW President Rekha Sharma Said that the difference in vaccination coverage between the two sexes is a matter of great concern to the Commission.
“There is an urgent need to increase the proportion of women coming to the vaccination booths to get the vaccine so that the gap in vaccination coverage can be corrected,” he said.
The letter also mentioned that there is a need to create public health awareness so that more and more women can be vaccinated on a priority basis.
The media report highlighted that the current gender gap in administering vaccines is significantly greater in the elderly population than in younger women. This reflects the existing gender stereotypes in the society due to which women are being left behind and the reasons include unequal access to resources and technology for both genders, reads the letter.
In the letter, the NCW noted that in many households, women’s health is not considered a priority over men’s if they do not work outside the home and end up having a lower preference for vaccination. However, women in primary care are more likely to become infected while caring for any sick family member.
NCW wrote that Center Intensive vaccination drive to reach every nook and corner of the country along with regular campaigns to dispel misinformation and rumours about any side effects of the vaccine. The state government should also continue the campaign to ensure that correct information reaches the remotest part of India.
NCW President Rekha Sharma Said that the difference in vaccination coverage between the two sexes is a matter of great concern to the Commission.
“There is an urgent need to increase the proportion of women coming to the vaccination booths to get the vaccine so that the gap in vaccination coverage can be corrected,” he said.
The letter also mentioned that there is a need to create public health awareness so that more and more women can be vaccinated on a priority basis.
The media report highlighted that the current gender gap in administering vaccines is significantly greater in the elderly population than in younger women. This reflects the existing gender stereotypes in the society due to which women are being left behind and the reasons include unequal access to resources and technology for both genders, reads the letter.
In the letter, the NCW noted that in many households, women’s health is not considered a priority over men’s if they do not work outside the home and end up having a lower preference for vaccination. However, women in primary care are more likely to become infected while caring for any sick family member.
NCW wrote that Center Intensive vaccination drive to reach every nook and corner of the country along with regular campaigns to dispel misinformation and rumours about any side effects of the vaccine. The state government should also continue the campaign to ensure that correct information reaches the remotest part of India.
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