Vaccine for the young: Getting logged on is still a struggle

Now anyone between the ages of 18 to 44 can register and take the dose that will provide immunization against the Covid virus. Given the relentless coverage given to the shortage of vaccines and the problems being faced by people interested in registering for the vaccine, it was pertinent to ask if conditions were similar for people in Goa. How easy or difficult was it for the average Goan to register online and get vaccinated. And yes also were there any side effects felt by anyone who took the virus. Jane Estrocio from Caranzalem has received both jabs of the vaccine, and there were zero side effects. She said the registration was easy, because she had done it through the Arogya Setu app and was given a slot very soon. She was followed by her elder brother who took it a few days later. Getting a slot is not an easy job. Christopher E D’souza from Maina said he was not able to take the vaccinations because he was not able to get a slot. He said “I am looking forward to it though, because I have a few out of station contacts who have taken the first jab well. There have been no side effects for them till now, so they’re awaiting the second”. And yes there are after effects. Sahana Parashar from Taleigao said her young cousin brother took the vaccine and suffered a migrane but that settled after a few hours. She said the procedure was slightly difficult because he took it directly at GMC. She however could not get a slot. Getting a slot is a problem. Conrad Barretto said he has been trying to get a slot for two week. Based in Margao he said it was an ordeal trying to get a slot. He said “ You go on to the Covid website and you see there are slots available and when you go to book, you are informed that none are available. This has happened to me on numerous occasions. Same thing at Manipal hospital, you check online and when you go to book you are told it is not available. It is absolute chaos at Margao and the rush is way to much at the Urban Health Centre. I am keeping my fingers crossed, I hope to get a slot and take my first jab.” Vaibhav Nighowne said he got his first dose on May 15 but getting to that point was an interesting experience. He said “We would log on line and track places where we could go and get a jab. We were once told a hospital was getting x number of vaccines and the slots would disappear in seconds once the booking came online. There were obviously thousands trying for the slots. Thankfully a friend informed us that vaccines would be coming shortly and so we managed to go online and book. Once I went there, it was done very well, it was very smooth. I was able to get a slot for my wife too that day. It went off very smoothly”. Dominic Shimrah a hotelier was scheduled to go for his first jab the day the cyclone struck. Mother Nature obviously had other plans and now he is spending time repairing his property. He said “I have not had the time but I need to do it. God willing it will all fall into place.” Sanjana Halankar said she had booked her slot in advance on the Cowin portal and was lucky to get her slot as soon as the vaccines were available. She said “I know there are many who are waiting for their first jab, but I am happy with the system put in place. I had no difficulty getting my first jab. Right from registration to getting my shot at the vaccine centre, everything was very systematic”. Rumours have also been floated about the efficacy of the vaccine. Reeya Redkar said “I was initially hesitant to take the vaccine after hearing the rumours. But now it’s proven that it’s absolutely effective and safe. I am willing to take it. I had registered for it, just waiting for my turn to take the first jab”. Another person from the north who did not want to give his name said accessing the app was tedious because on it one would only get one centre at a time and if there were no slots available, you had to revert and check other centres. However on the website it was easier but getting slots was difficult because of the rush to get a vaccination and the shortage that was always felt. He said he was trying but was not able to get a slot but would have to continue trying because in the months ahead, he anticipated a lot of travel both domestically and perhaps even internationally. He hoped the situation would improve and people would get their jabs on time. One can only hope the situation at various centers improves. On certain days the situation may be fine but then on others it can be a mad rush.