Swati Bidhan Barua Opens Up About The Reality of Vaccination Among Some People

We all have come through the news about the nation actively getting involved in the vaccination process. Daily news updates us regarding the percentage of a citizen who gets vaccinated.

But there are still some figures which are kept silent or not mentioned. Or in other words, we can say that they are neglected from vaccination or some other fundamental health rights. Yes, these are transgender. Barua realises that a large number of people in her community are deprived of protection against the Covid-19 infection in the form of the vaccine.

Swati Bidhan Barua came up with a clear picture of vaccination among the transgender community.

Barua informed that there are around 2000 transgenders across Assam, among which 300 are from Kamrup Metro. But when it comes to vaccination or related health care issues, the scene is different from that of the average man.

Recently a vaccination programme at Tritiyo Nivas at Hatigaon, a shelter home for the people from the 3rd gender community, informed Barua. It took place in association with the All Assam Transgender Association and State Directorate of Health Services, in which Covaxin was given to the 18-44 age group.

However, it was disappointing that surprisingly few people voluntarily participated in the vaccination, irrespective of being convinced by the Burua. To date, just 100 transgender have received the shots.

There are a few reasons behind people not coming for vaccination.

Some people are actively associating themselves with misleading innocent and uneducated transgenders about the ill effects of vaccines. As a result of that, most transgender is escaping away from taking the vaccines.

Transgenders often face unacceptability from their families. Most of them leave their homes at a tender age. They usually lack any proper proof of identity or nationality, complicating the process of getting a slot booked at vaccination websites.

Barua urges the government to take up this issue seriously and make vaccinations easily accessible to the said community as the public. Barua further forwards a request to stop the illegal circles responsible for spreading misinformation regarding the vaccination process and are misleading people.