For decades now, India has been running one of the world's largest immunisation programmes that vaccinates tens of millions, including newborns and pregnant women, against various diseases. So experts believed India was well-prepared for the challenge. But the uptake has been slow because of vaccine scepticism as well as a lack of awareness among the poor or in rural areas. Many of the poor have little information on how to register themselves and access the vaccine free of cost. Online registration could be an impediment for those who don't own phones or use the internet. "There's very little public health communication for the poor and the working class regarding the vaccines," says Radha Khan, an independent consultant working in the field of gender, governance and social inclusion.
'India Covid-19 vaccination for 45+: Third phase launched as cases rise', BBC
