Mumbai: Where is our reserved second Covid-19 vaccine dose, ask citizens aged 45 and above

Medics vaccinate eligible citizens at Nair hospital. File Pic/Ashish Raje

Where are the vaccines reserved for us?" ask senior citizens who have been struggling to get their second dose, as all adults have now become eligible for the immunisation programme but the supply of fresh doses is limited.

The BMC's new policy, making prior registration on CoWIN portal mandatory for all age groups has caused further inconvenience to all citizens aged 45 and above. It said that priority will be given to those eligible for their second dose, but not all senior citizens are tech-savvy to quickly book a slot online. Even though the civic body has to compulsorily keep aside a stock of vaccines just for recipients of the second dose, online appointments are getting full really fast. The BMC's mismanagement is shrinking the interval to get the second dose for people aged 45 and above. Moreover, walk-in registration is of no use to beneficiaries who have taken Covaxin, as many centres don't have stock.

Many aggrieved citizens have now taken to social media platforms to complain, criticise and slam the civic body for its incapability in providing the essential second dose. Completing the course of two doses within the stipulated period is necessary to develop strong immunity to prevent serious complications due to Covid-19, multiple studies have reiterated. Covishield doses have been taken within an interval of 40-60 days, while the second shot of Covaxin must be taken between 28 and 42 days.

Also Read: Prioritise vaccinating those due for second dose of Covid-19 vaccine: Centre to states

Vasudevan A, 64, from Kanjurmarg said, "I struggled for days to get my second Covaxin does. I finally managed to get it on the 42nd day since taking the first shot, that too after waiting in the queue for almost 4 hours." He added that managing the immunisation programme would be easy if all senior citizens waiting for their second dose are vaccinated and then the 18-44 age group is called for inoculation.

Andheri resident Mallaya Goli, 70, said, "I don't know how to get my second dose, as I am not getting an appointment via the CoWIN portal, and I recently read that online appointment for taking Covishield is mandatory. But why can't I just walk-in and take my shot?" A Parel resident, not willing to be named, said, "Why is there a vaccine shortage for those due for their second dose? We were told that our doses have been reserved by the BMC. Where are they now? It is completely unacceptable if our vaccines are being given to the 18-44 age group."

Opposition leader Ravi Raja also tweeted, "Many senior citizens are unable to book slots through CoWIN and @mybmc is not allowing them for walk-in. It has created a lot of chaos and confusion. My humble request to @mybmc , please allow senior citizens whose 2nd shot is due else they will miss their 4 weeks window." BMC officials said they are working on a solution and would make changes in the current guidelines if needed.

State minister Aaditya Thackeray tweeted that he spoke to BMC chief Iqbal Singh Chahal AMC Suresh Kakani on Tuesday afternoon to work out a strategy for "1) Ensuring 2nd shot is administered in time. 2) Communication & Slots for those not tech savvy or on social media. 3) Activation of 227 ward centres 4) Preps for possible 3rd wave." He said "the road map for administering the second shot for every age group will be published soon."