GURUGRAM: When their turn came, they wasted no time.
On Day 1 of the fourth phase of the Covid-19 vaccination drive for the 45+ population, several patients who have recovered from the infection came forward to get their first doses on Thursday. The chances of reinfection persist in view of the recent surge in cases, which is why they lined up for jabs, they said.
Sweta Saraf (45), a Sector 57 resident who tested Covid-positive in the first week of November last year, was one of the first recipients to receive the shot in this phase on Thursday.
“I was hospitalised for three days and my oxygen saturation level was below 80%. I was in a very critical condition for a few days. The memories still haunt me. I do not want to get the infection again. Cases were rising last November when I got Covid. They are again rising now, so I decided to get the jab immediately,” said Saraf, who was vaccinated at W Pratiksha Hospital in Sushant Lok-2.
Another Covid patient who recovered a few months ago, Roshni Chaudhuri (45), said she can finally venture outside after getting the shot. She was infected in the last week of October 2020 and has been avoiding stepping out due to fear of getting reinfected since then.
“I vividly remember those terrible days when both my husband and I tested Covid-positive. He was admitted to hospital for a week and I wasn’t able to see him. My 15-year-old son had to confine himself to his room. Taking the first jab has given me confidence,” the Sector 56 resident said.
A couple that also received their first doses on Thursday said while they feel safer now after getting vaccinated, they will continue to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour. “I think getting vaccinated is very important under the present circumstances. Cases are again rising and this is going to be to the new normal. I am going to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour as it will take time to develop herd immunity. I have also advised everyone I know to wear a mask and maintain social distancing,” said Sunil Khera (45), resident of Sector 56.
“I am a frontline worker and finally got vaccinated today. I have been taking all precautions to save myself from Covid. Getting the vaccine feels great. The process is very simple. I just walked in at a session site and got myself vaccinated within 10 minutes,” Sunil’s wife Renu said.
Param Jain (49), a Palam Vihar resident, said he got an appointment booked at the nearest hospital carrying out Covid inoculations as soon as he got to know he would be eligible from April 1. “After getting the shot, I am very excited that I can venture out and resume my jogs without worrying about the virus. I am aware that I have to wear a mask and follow Covid norms.”
“This vaccination phase comes at a time when the country is seeing a surge in the number of daily infections because of the second wave. The government, at present, is focussing to bring more people under the vaccination drive to beat this pandemic. Those eligible should ensure that they get the jab,” said Dr Shuchin Bajaj, founder and director of Ujala Cygnus Group of hospitals.