Vadodara/ Surat/ Rajkot: The first day of the third phase of Covid-19 vaccination kicked off on a slow note in three major cities of Gujarat – Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot – on Monday amid teething issues, especially those related to vaccination at private hospitals.
The municipal corporations began registering and vaccinating citizens above age 60 as well as those in the 45-60 year bracket with co-morbidities at both government and empanelled private hospitals from Monday.
But there were teething troubles when it came to begin the inoculation drive in private hospitals. In Vadodara for instance, the drive could not be conducted in any of private hospitals in the city.
In all only 4,670 individuals in these three cities got the first dose of the vaccine on the first day of the drive. The vaccination target is more than 7.53 lakh individuals considering the earlier surveys that Surat Municipal Corporation (SMC), the Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) and the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) have carried out of individuals falling in high-risk category.
Over 2.53 lakh citizens in Surat have registered in high-risk category. On Monday, 92 senior citizens were given vaccines at Surat Municipal Institute of Medical Education and Research (SMIMER) while 15 others were given vaccines at New Civil Hospital (NCH). Vaccination for senior citizens and comorbid patients will continue at 48 government hospitals and SMC health centres.
“No major side effects have been reported in those who took the vaccine and those in the high-risk category should come forward for vaccination in large numbers,” said Banchhanidhi Pani, municipal commissioner, SMC.
Those who had walked-in to get the vaccine had faced some problems. Many senior citizens reached NCH without registration but were asked to return as they had not registered.
In Rajkot, politicians and priests took the first shot. As per RMC’s survey, nearly 1.98 lakh people are to be vaccinated in this phase.
Nearly 30 members of voluntarily organization ‘Chitranagari’ took the dose with placards in support of government. Some priest of Swaminarayan, Arsh Vidhya Mandir and other sects also joined.
According to RMC, the number of hospitals and health centers for vaccination will be increased gradually. The government hospital which are authorised to give the dose are PDU civil hospital, Padmakunvarba hospital, Sadar and all the urban health centers.
The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) has identified 1.67 lakh individuals who will be vaccinated in the third phase.