There is no harm in taking the vaccine, says BMC official

Additional Municipal Commissioner Suresh Kakani on whether to take the shot or not, timelines and answers to niggling questions

Suresh Kakani, Mumbai’s Additional Municipal Commissioner, Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) took the hot seat at V-Can’s digital social sanchar on Wednesday. The commissioner answered questions on the big V of our times, the vaccine, as we look to turn the corner against the COVID-19 outbreak. V-CAN, stands for V Citizens Action Network, a trust that facilitates interaction, aiming to act as a bridge between citizens and government representatives.

Clear, concise

Kakani cleared the air, took queries from the curious and wary, and gave us a glimpse at where we stand on the vaccination front, including a loose framework of when ordinary citizens can expect the jab.

Hot button

The commissioner put his finger on the pulse of the people when he said as starters, “This topic is exciting and close to everyone's heart. We started the vaccination drive on January 16, we are in phase 1. The Drug Controller of India has given emergency approval to two vaccines, Covishield and Covaxin. Covishield is manufactured by the Serum Institute of India in collaboration with the Oxford university in England and Astra Zeneca. Covaxin has been manufactured by Bharat Biotech which is a local company. As far as Mumbai is concerned, we have been provided with both vaccines with municipal facilities getting Covishield. The JJ Hospital which is being controlled by the government of Maharashtra, has been provided Covaxin.”

The beneficiaries

Kakani spoke about the beneficiaries of this vaccine, and explained, “According to directives given to us by the government of India, the first to get the vaccine will be healthcare workers, doctors, nurses, paramedics and ward staff. We aim to finish Phase I by February 14."

“Beneficiaries are told to come to the vaccination centre, via the CoWin app, asked to show their Aadhar card or any other identity like driving license, election card, passport… and verification is done. The second level is going to the vaccination room where it takes a minute to take the shot, then on to the observation room where the recipient has to spend 30 minutes so that in case of any adverse effect, he/she can be treated there,” said Kakani about the procedure.

"We have yet to come to the second phase in which frontline workers like police, security staff, conservancy staffers, people involved in solid waste management will be given the vaccine," he said. Kakani said the third category is persons who are more than 50 years old and have co-morbidities like diabetes, hypertension or some serious ailment.

Vaccine no

The chief explained, “There is no upper age limit to get a COVID vaccine but it is not for those below 18 years. A pregnant woman or lactating mother should not take the vaccine. A person who is COVID positive is not supposed to go to the vaccination centre as he/she may infect the other beneficiaries. He/she can go after four or six weeks of recovery. Persons who get some reaction or adverse effect after the first dose given on Day 0, should not go for the second dose on Day 28 or after as in the case of Covishield. This is a voluntary drive. We are not taking a separate consent form, as once you walk into the vaccination centre, you have given your consent for the vaccine."

Query cool

Questions via social media flew in thick and fast. Kakani said responding to a question about vaccines at private facilities, “We have started collecting data from private hospitals, whether there are adequate facilities, like staffers to be trained and whether they are willing to become centres for vaccination.”

He emphasised, “Those exposed to the infection, must go for the vaccine as there is no harm and we have a system in place to deal with any adverse effect.”

Kakani stressed, “Wear a mask even after both doses, it is necessary. In fact, this covering should become a part of our lives. We need to use hand sanitisers regularly too.” Then, it was sign off from Kakani ending a lucid session, all about vaccine eloquent.

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