Karnataka: Managements relieved as most students get first shot in Dakshina Kannada district

In a huge relief for managements grappling with cluster cases on campuses, more than 90% of college students in Dakshina Kannada district, who are eligible to take the Covid-19 vaccine, have received at least one dose so far.
Heads of institutions in the education hub of Karnataka say vaccination has helped them resume regular classes with confidence, especially since most students will get their second dose within a month or two.
Officials in the health department also confirmed Covid cases on college campuses have dwindled over the past month.
Some students cannot take the vaccine due to health reasons and are considered vulnerable.
“The institution has not made any specific provisions for them, except masking and early testing if symptomatic,” said a dean of a private medical college.
More than 95% of students at Mangalore University’s Mangalagangothri campus in Konaje have been partially vaccinated against Covid-19.
“Only some 300 postgraduate students are yet to be vaccinated and they will get the shot on September 29,” said PS Yadapadithaya, vice-chancellor, MU.
“Besides them, a few teaching and non-teaching staff too are yet to take the jab. Vaccination has restored confidence on campuses. But we will continue to follow safety protocols and not let our guard down. Staff and students will be reminded about SOPs frequently.”
Dr BV Rajesh, reproductive child health officer, DK, said: “We will begin administering second doses from next week.”
Dr Jenifer Lolita C, joint director, department of collegiate education, DK, confirmed nearly all pupils in colleges under its jurisdiction have received at least a single dose, while some are fully vaccinated.
The department’s jurisdiction spreads across Udupi, DK and Kodagu.
Dr Ashok H, nodal officer for Covid-19 in Dakshina Kannada, said now two education institutions in DK currently have cluster outbreaks. They are situated in Derlakatte and Kalladka.