Meanwhile, the BMC has asked the beneficiaries to not crowd at centres. Fearing long queues from May 1 when all adults become eligible to take the anti-Coronavirus shots, even though their vaccination has been postponed, senior citizens lined up at vaccination centres in large numbers on Thursday.
Vaccine beneficiaries at NESCO centre at Goregaon on Thursday. Pic/Satej Shinde
The BMC on Thursday announced the complete suspension of the vaccination drive at all centres across the city for the next three days (April 30 to May 2), owing to the non-availability of vaccines. However, if fresh stock arrives early, the BMC will start vaccination.
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Suresh Kakani, additional municipal commissioner, told mid-day, “There will be no vaccination till further stock arrives. when we get the fresh stock we will inform the citizens. Till then no vaccination sessions will be conducted at any private, government and civicbrun vaccination centres. The vaccines will be given only through registration.”
Meanwhile, the BMC has asked the beneficiaries to not crowd at centres. Fearing long queues from May 1 when all adults become eligible to take the anti-Coronavirus shots, even though their vaccination has been postponed, senior citizens lined up at vaccination centres in large numbers on Thursday.
Thousands of people gathered outside the NESCO centre in Goregaon and at BKC jumbo facility. The long queues at civic-run vaccination centres was also because of the news about the arrival of a fresh stock of vaccines on Wednesday night. But the city had received only a limited stock.
The physical distancing norm went for a toss at these centres, which are now feared to become super spreader spots. Mayor Kishori Pednekar visited the NESCO centre and while interacting with the media, she said, “Please do not rush for vaccination. People come to the centres to keep away from COVID-19, but such a crowd may cause an opposite effect. Be careful.”
Ashwini Bhide, additional commissioner of the BMC, used Twitter to appeal to the public against crowding at vaccination centres. “The vaccine is in short supply now and not available at all centres. But be assured that all 45-plus will get the vaccine eventually.”
A BMC official said, “There is a risk of the virus spreading in the crowd. So please use two masks. Those who have taken the first dose don’t have to worry. Even one dose of vaccine creates enough antibodies in the body.”
In the second shift of Wednesday and the first shift of Thursday, 28,782 people were vaccinated, out of which 17,211 got their second dose. While 14,532 recipients were senior citizens, 10,991 were aged between 45 and 59.
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