Question : Misconception about Effectiveness of COVID Vaccines

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government is aware that various informations about the effectiveness of Covaxin and Covishield vaccines administered in the country are creating unnecessary confusion, if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether the Government is publishing official, reliable and authenticated data regarding effectiveness of the said vaccines, if so, the details thereof; and
(c) the efforts being made by the Government to clear misconceptions about the effectiveness of vaccines being administered for prevention of COVID-19?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

(a) to (c) Certain myths/misinformation have been reported regarding COVID-19 vaccination Programme which are promptly addressed by the Central Government. However, the National COVID-19 Vaccination Programme is progressing at a steady pace and COVID vaccination has improved significantly from 2.35 lakh doses per day in the month of January 2021 to an average of 39.89 lakh doses per day in the month of June 2021.
In order to raise awareness about safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines, address vaccine hesitancy and sustain vaccine confidence, a communication strategy is in place which is being implemented across all States/UTs. Some key interventions as part of communication strategy include FAQs for general public and healthcare & frontline workers which have been developed & uploaded on Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) website; (https://www.mohfw.gov.in/pdf/FAQsforHCWs&FLWs.pdf) media channels, radio jockeys, producers etc. have been oriented on correct information regarding COVID-19 vaccination; op-eds and articles by identified experts published to build vaccine confidence; dissemination of fact check videos by key experts to provide correct & factual information. MoHFW has advised States/UTs to disseminate clear, consistent, transparent and factual information to general public to clear misconceptions and sustain vaccine confidence.