11 January,2022 07:51 AM IST | Mumbai | A Correspondent
Hemant Furia and his mother Bhartibhen Furia, both senior citizens, after taking their booster shot, at Rajawadi Hospital COVID-19 vaccination centre in Ghatkopar, on Monday. Pics/Satej Shinde
Most vaccination centres saw a good turnout on Day 1 of the administering of the booster to frontline and healthcare workers, and senior citizens. Over 1,82,000 people are eligible to take the third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in Mumbai.
mid-day visited two BMC-run hospitals and the BMC jumbo centre administering the booster, and spoke to the beneficiaries, who expressed satisfaction at the arrangements.
Dr Vishal Rakh from Nair hospital's vaccination centre said. "On the very first day, we received a very good turnout of frontline and healthcare workers, but the response from senior citizens was okay. In the coming days, we expect a better turnout of everyone eligible for the booster dose."
"I thought that there would be a rush today, but when I reached here, I was surprised to see that all the arrangements were in place. I was able to take my shot in less than 30 minutes," said Pooja Chaudhari Shanbag, a healthcare worker at an eye hospital.
After taking his shot, Rajesh Gagdish Parmar, a frontliner who works with the BMC's Byculla ward, appealed "to all senior citizens and frontline workers to take their booster".
Head Constable Mukund Ghuge from Tilak Nagar police station said, "I'm very happy with the staff of Rajawadi Hospital for streamlining the entire process and making walk-in registration hassle free."
"Our experience at Rajawadi Hospital was extremely good. With the rising number of COVID-19 cases, I think all those eligible should come forward and take the vaccine," said Hemant Furia, a senior citizen who came with his mother Bhartibhen Furia.
Dr Madhav Sathe, who took his third shot at the BKC centre, said, "I was impressed by the arrangements here. I would like to appeal to all senior citizens and frontline workers to come forward and take the booster, as it will help as a shield against the infection. Some senior citizens with comorbidity are more susceptible to the virus."
Madhukar Dhas, assistant sub-inspector at BKC police station, took his booster at the BKC jumbo centre. He said his safety was the priority, as he has to ensure the safety of his family and others.
"As soon as the guidelines came, I ensured I took my booster dose. So far, I haven't got COVID. Wearing a mask and following safety protocols are important. We should all take the booster when the turn comes, to beat the virus from spreading further," he said.
"Eat healthy, take the vaccine and follow COVID-119 protocols. By the grace of god, we have been following the same and doing good," said Chembur resident Haresh Jagasia, 76, who took the booster along with his wife Rekha, 69.
Manjula Modi, 75, a resident of Chembur came to the BKC jumbo centre with her husband for the booster dose. She said, "As soon as the announcement was made, we booked the slot. We had taken our vaccines in March and April last year. I believe we should all take the vaccine."