Mumbai’s vaccination figures just don’t add up

While the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) is yet to achieve its target of vaccinating the city's adult population with at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, it has now decided to reach out to those who have missed their second shot and complete their vaccination. According to a database prepared by the civic body, more than 3 lakh citizens are yet to take their second dose.

Civic officials said that all the 24 ward war rooms have been asked to contact them and educate them about the importance of getting fully vaccinated. The officials further said that the citizens might have missed out on their second dose either due to lapse in date, change of address or maybe have simply forgotten about it.

The ward war rooms have been asked to call up the citizens and encourage them to take their shots. Even health post officials and civic body's community health units, who are working on identifying fully vaccinated societies, have also been tasked to educate those who have not turned up for the second dose. These officials will visit residences of the beneficiaries to remind them about it and educate them.

A beneficiary takes her jab at Nair Hospital on October 26. File pic

Speaking to mid-day, Additional Municipal Commissioner, Suresh Kakani, said, "We are aiming to vaccinate as many citizens as possible at the earliest and thus have instructed the ward war rooms, health post units and other field officials to reach out to those who have not yet taken their second dose. They have also been asked to encourage them and guide them with information on the nearest vaccination centre."

Meanwhile, the BMC is yet to achieve its goal of 100 per cent vaccination with at least one dose, though the deadline for it was early October. The number of vaccine shots administered daily has gone down and hence they have now set a target for February next year.