A beneficiary gets a shot of a Covid-19 vaccine in Pune. (Express Photo: Ashish Kale) Even as the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation on Thursday restarted the vaccination drive for those in the age group of 18-44 years, Municipal Commissioner Rajesh Patil said that if local residents do not adhere to Covid-appropriate behaviour, then the city may face a serious situation.
Urging them to remain alert, the PCMC chief said, “Though Covid-19 cases are falling, everyone should strictly adhere to Covid- appropriate norms. If this is not done, we will have to face a serious situation as experts have predicted a third wave.”
Patil said if a third wave of infections strikes, children are likely to be most affected. “In view of this prediction, PCMC is making all arrangements to tackle the situation. We have also appointed a task force and are reserving beds in civic and private hospitals, especially for children,” he said.
The civic chief said those who had been infected with Covid-19 get antibodies after three weeks while those who get vaccinated need 15 days to build up immunity. “Those who have not been infected with Covid-19 and those who are suffering from serious diseases should get themselves vaccinated on priority,” he said.
PCMC additional health chief Dr Pavan Salve said the civic body has restarted vaccination for those above 18 after a long gap. “The drive was started in April but we had to close it down due to unavailability of vaccine stock. It has started again today,” he said.
He said those above 18 will get their first Covishield dose at 45 centres and those above 45 will get first and second doses at 19 centres. “Also, those between 18 and 44 years and those above 45 will get the second dose of Covaxin at two centres,” he said.
Local residents, however, claimed that the PCMC had not made the second dose available at the centres closest to their home. “I took the first dose at Kasarwadi hospital which is close to my residence. This morning when I went for the second dose at Kasarwadi hospital, I was told to search for a centre in Dapodi or Pimple Gurav area. I don’t have a two-wheeler and I don’t even know the place, how will I search for it,” said Priya Deshmukh, a resident of Kasarwadi.
Other residents also made similar complaints at the Kasarwadi hospital.
Responding to this, Dr Salve said, “We release press notes every evening. The residents will have to search for the centres which are close to their residents. Second doses are not available at all centres.”
Additional Municipal Commissioner Vikas Dhakane, however, said, “We will ensure that second doses are also available at centres close to the residences of citizens.”
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