Several bedridden patients in Kozhikode unwilling to take COVID-19 jab

They are afraid vaccination may complicate their health condition

At least some of the completely bedridden patients in Kozhikode are unwilling to take COVID-19 vaccination because they are scared that it will complicate their existing health conditions. The State government had recently directed health workers to ensure that all bedridden patients are given both doses of the vaccine. Consent of the patient is required for the purpose. However, a few of the nurses providing palliative care in the district said that completely bedridden patients were not keen on taking the jab. “All these people are in such a condition that they cannot move around without the help of caregivers. They are in a weak physical and mental condition. They have heard from elsewhere that those who undergo vaccination have side effects such as fever, headache, cold, and body pain. These patients are scared if it will complicate their situation,” a nurse, who did not wish to be named, told The Hindu.