Skipped vaccine day because of fear? BMC to counsel you
MUMBAI: On Tuesday – Day 2 of the vaccination drive – the city recorded only 50% turnout of registered healthcare workers (HCWS). To encourage more HCWS to take the shot, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is planning to counsel those who skip the immunisation owing to fears pertaining to the vaccine.
“Firstly, we’ll have to record the reason why shortlisted candidates couldn’t take the vaccine on the given date. If they refuse to take it, we will counsel them and try to answer their queries to help them regain trust in the vaccine. Anyway, the vaccination is voluntary and we can’t force anyone to take it,” said Dr Mangala Gomare, executive health officer, BMC.
Considering the two vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin, are among the first set of Covid-19 vaccines, there is a fear and speculation among many. Several HCWS are opting to wait and watch and then decide on taking the shot, depending on the efficiency of the vaccine. “In the UK and the US, the beneficiaries are provided with many details, such as the efficiency of the vaccines and its possible side effects. But in India, there is limited transparency, especially on Covaxin. So the initial turnout is expected to be less,” said Anant Bhan, public health expert.
However, senior doctors who had being administered the shots on the first day (January 16), believe that the vaccines are completely safe. Dr Sanjay Surase, medical superintendent of the state-run Sir JJ Hospital, who had taken Covaxin on Saturday, said, “I am a living example that the vaccine is safe. I didn’t have any kind of adverse effect.”
Dr Rahul Pandit, director-critical care, Fortis Hospital, who took Covishield, said nutritious diet, ample hydration and rest were the key to tackle post-vaccination impact. “Some beneficiaries experienced nausea, vomiting, body ache, headache and mild rash. But they didn’t need any active treatment. These symptoms show our body is responding. People should go ahead with the vaccine without hesitation,” said Dr Pandit.