People wanting to take the vaccine must be prompt

This picture has been used for representational purpose

Only 58 per cent of the targeted number of healthcare workers took the vaccine on the eighth day of the vaccination. Aiming to give the first of the two shots to all registered health workers by February 14, the civic body has decided to give only three chances to them, to get inoculated. Many health workers have been postponing taking the shot as it is voluntary.

A report in this paper said that the dose is voluntary so the authorities are witnessing healthcare workers taking things lightly. They are also postponing appointments. An additional municipal commissioner has warned that they will alert health workers thrice after which they will not be given the jab. He also added though, that because of not coming in to take the vaccine, there may be long queues in the last few days and healthcare workers will blame the corporation for not giving the vaccine.

Those that want to take the vaccine need to respond immediately as they get the call. They cannot take this so flippantly, defer taking the vaccine and then, try to postpone this to some time when it suits them. This is no ordinary jab, and who but healthcare workers know most of all, that this is also an extraordinary situation.

Healthcare workers were, like they are now, on the frontlines when the outbreak began and the public certainly acknowledged and appreciated their contribution.

They, more than anybody else, know the degree to which the civic healthcare system has been stretched and the fact that we are certainly not out of the woods yet.

If they wish to take the vaccine, it is important they heed calls, instead of dilly-dallying and then creating pressure at the last minute. This is not about procrastination but prompt, and responsible responses.