Srinagar, Feb 27: With COVID-19 vaccination for senior citizens starting from March 01, Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) on Saturday urged authorities in Jammu and Kashmir to vaccinate housebound elderly at home.
“Many seniors are homebound and won't be able to visit a vaccination center,” said DAK President and influenza expert Dr Nisar ul Hassan in a statement issued.
“Vast majority of senior citizens have multiple chronic medical conditions and are being taken care at home. There are those whose health or illness could get worse if they leave home,” he said.
“People with chronic obstructive lung disease who are dependent on oxygen can't move out. Many seniors have hearing problem, vision loss, cognitive impairment, incontinence, dementia and mobility problems,” DAK President said.
“They are completely dependent on their family members and medical equipments for even their routine daily activities. It is extremely difficult for these frail and elderly to get out and attend vaccination clinics,” he said.
“Vaccinating seniors is critical as they are more vulnerable to severe infection and death from the novel coronavirus.” he said.
“We go door to door for vaccinating children against polio, why can't we take Covid-19 vaccine to our seniors at home. Offering vaccines to housebound elderly at home would increase the vaccination rate among seniors that would save lives and help bring an end to the ongoing public health crisis,” he said.
