382 get jabs at special sites for widows

Gurgaon: A total of 382 widows aged between 18 and 44 years got their first shot of Covaxin at four walk-in camps that were set up specially for them at the government hospitals in Sohna, Pataudi and Farrukhnagar, and at a polyclinic in Sector 31.
Recipients said it was easier for them to get vaccinated at these dedicated sessions as they were able to walk into the centres without registration in advance. “I had tried to book slots earlier, but failed. This is a very unique initiative,” said Pooja, a widow who got the jab at the Sector 31 polyclinic.
Another widow, Anju, said, “It was a smooth process. At a time when everyone is trying to get a slot, we got vaccinated without following the Co-WIN registration process.”
According to the department of women and child welfare, there are 2,500 registered widows in Gurgaon. The health department will not hold vaccination camps for those in the age group of 18-44 years on Thursday because it doesn't have any vaccines for this category at present.
“We will, however, hold a special session for 400 inmates in Bhondsi. We have informed the state government about the vaccine status,” said Dr Viredner Yadav, chief medical officer, Gurgaon. On Wednesday, 5,163 people in the 18-44 age group were inoculated in the city. In the 45-plus category, 1,976 people took the shots. As many as 95 healthcare workers and 310 frontline workers also got jabs.
Meanwhile, Narayana Hospital, which started vaccinations at its premises on Wednesday, announced that it won’t charge service fees. It is charging only Rs 650 for Covishield, while other private hospitals are charging Rs 900.