Bengaluru doctors express their views regarding the Covid-19 immunization drive

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the Covid-19 vaccination drive in India on Saturday, which is the largest vaccination drive in the world. Modi asserted that the indigenously prepared vaccines will have a definite ‘decisive victory’ for the Covid-19 pandemic.

The health professionals in Bengaluru who received the vaccine right on the first day of the historic event, expressed their joy and pride post the Covid-19 immunization. Dr Sandesh Khandelwal, neurosurgeon at Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute (BMRCI) who got the vaccine administered PMSSY super-speciality ward in Victoria Hopsital, Bengaluru. He said, “It was all done without any delay. So far, I’ve had no side effects. There is no pain even in the vaccinated area.”

He said, “I got a call and a message yesterday from the BBMP that I have been chosen to be vaccinated today at 9 am and I was ready for it.”

“The festival-like atmosphere was necessary to allay apprehensions of the people who were getting vaccinated. Every frontline worker needs to be vaccinated. I’m working in the Covid-19 ward and we need to take it. At least we can be barriers to the infection,” added Dr Sandesh Khandelwal.

Dr Sudarshan Ballal, Chairman, Manipal Hospitals, who received the shot on Saturday revealed about him having no side effects even after two and a half hours post taking the shot. Dr Ballal said, “Today was a red-letter day for all of us in the healthcare field. After being bruised and battered by Covid-19 for over a year, we finally have come up with the indigenous vaccine that’s manufactured in India, tested in India, and rolled out by our honourable Prime Minister today.”

He further added, “They (healthcare workers) explained the whole procedure, mentioned the side effects and observed me for half an hour after the vaccine was injected. I am due for the next dose after four weeks. My sincere request to all the citizens is to please get oneself vaccinated when their turn comes because we need to have all the tools available to fight the covert scourge.”

Dr Sudarshan further emphasized on the fake rumours and side-effects receiving the shots, saying “Please do not go by the fake news and rumours about the side-effects of this vaccine and have faith in the scientists that have developed it and used it.”

He further said that even after vaccination one must maintain the practice of social distancing and the habit of wearing the masks. He said, “Please do not let your guard down. Let us all work together to fight the scourge of Covid-19 and save India from another crisis.”