Repeated visits to centres for vaccines is frustrating

This picture has been used for representational purpose

The BMC's decentralisation move to make public vaccination centres in nooks and crannies so that the jab becomes more accessible to Mumbaikars was one with good intent. The concept, though, seems to have hit a roadblock, with a number of smaller centres shut because of a paucity of stock. Citizens have also complained of being forced to go home as they are either shut or they do not have stock.

In a report, citizens have stated how they are struggling to get vaccinated because of the particular conundrum. They have despaired of having centres close to their homes, but these are of no use because of repeatedly coming back with zilch.

The civic authorities need to pay careful attention to this particular problem and ensure at least some remedial measures.

One does understand and acknowledge that vaccines may not be available because of shortage from the Centre, but, then, it is vital we do not open smaller centres if there are not enough stocks.

When citizens are forced to return home repeatedly or spend hours in queues only to be told that they should try to get the vaccine at another place, there is a sense of growing frustration. There is a danger that people will simply put off going to any centre at all as they do not want to experience this again, or they simply believe that the vaccine is not worth the effort. Some, elderly people may not have the means to go to centres repeatedly. We also have to take into account the risks when people are going out and then standing within crowds at these centres. Most of all though is disillusionment with the system and the attitude that we will be met with the same old problem at a vaccine centre. This may not translate into vaccine hesitancy, but visiting a centre hesitancy.