PANAJI: On Monday, as the vaccination drive opened up for senior citizens, very few turned up for the shot at the
North Goa district hospital. The few present were optimistic and upbeat at having taken the first step towards safeguarding against Covid-19. The relief was all the more palpable as the fewer numbers meant they did not have to wait in cumbersome queues.
One among them, Suri Surindara, who returned from Europe two months ago, said he was thankful to the government, doctors and other staff involved in the drive. People in some countries, even the advanced ones, can’t even think of getting vaccination at this stage, he said.
“Two months ago I was in Europe. I saw people there struggling to get
Covid medicines and here we are getting injections. You can imagine, even a country like Germany that produces medicines is facing difficulties,” said Surindara, as he waited in the observation room of the hospital after receiving the first dose.
Rajdeep Gupta, who has made Goa his home for the last two years, said he was anxious but happy that he got the shot without any hassle and that he didn’t have to wait in a queue since very few people came for vaccination.
Gupta, who retired after practising architecture for 40 years, has undergone kidney transplant and has valid reason to be concerned. However, he did not experience any adverse reaction. “No worries, I’m doing good,” he said.
Radhabai Azgaonkar travelled from Mandrem to receive the shot along with her husband. She said that she was informed by her niece who works as a staff nurse in the hospital about the vaccination drive.
“So, we are here, and I’m not scared. I did not get Covid while I knew many who got the infection,” said Radhabai, relaxing after receiving the shot.
Sashi Gupta not yet sixty, however, had to wait a little longer than the others, as she was told that she would be allowed in only after the doctor had checked her papers and given her the go ahead to receive the shot.
“I have comorbidities, so I have to wait till the doctor comes. It is OK because there are hardly any people here for the vaccination,” she said.
The government has offered senior citizens the advantage of getting themselves vaccinated for free at government facilities. However, not all senior citizens are willing to take up the opportunity, and have their own reasons for not getting the shot despite the looming danger of Covid-19.
Eighty-plus Suresh Naik, a heart patient said the
vaccine is not for him.
“There’s no way I’m taking the jab. What if I fall sick after that,” he said adding that he has read all about the vaccine.
His wife, who has diabetes, is also not enthusiastic about taking the vaccine. She said that she will take a decision only after she talks to her family doctor.