Corona Virus Vaccination
I hope everyone is keeping safe. We have crossed two deadly covid waves
of this century. We are still in anguish on our future as 3rd wave
is already posing huge challenges in most developed nations like USA and UK. Our
vaccination drive has gained traction, the supply side of vaccination has
improved a lot. We are no more troubled to find a vaccine jab at least in metro
cities in India. Covishield and Covaxin vaccines were made available but I believe
more than 90% of Delhi population might had got Covishield and remaining 10%
got Covaxin. I am still amazed as how Covishield was successful in supplying
huge volumes and Covaxin remained available for few pockets. Need to appreciate
Serum Institute for successfully manufacturing and supplying higher volumes of
vaccine doses. This strategy of Serum Institute has sealed huge volumes for
them.
Being in capital city has its own benefits I observed the availability
of vaccines was much better in Delhi than in any other state. I literally tried
hours to get my first jab appointment after vaccination window was opened for
citizens above 18+ years. As soon as
slots were notified in COWIN website they used to vanish in seconds. After
meticulous effort I got my first jab and I could manage one more slot for my
wife also. First dose of vaccination had a good mix of free vaccination and
paid vaccination options. Governments quickly arranged vaccination centers in
various public locations and vaccinated but as soon as central governments
sponsored free vaccine doses were over state governments had submitted their inability
to organize further doses.
However things are changed now there are no more free jabs, all super specialty
hospitals are now fully equipped to jab. First week of August I paid Rs.780 for
my second jab. Though I felt the rate was a bit high but the fear of pandemic superseded
this apprehension. Governments had promised free jab but either they are
lacking the will to procure vaccines or they lack funds to invest on this.
Private hospitals are making a fortune out of this vaccination as rates of
various hospitals vary as per their hospital policy. Though initially vaccines
were priced at more than Rs.1000 at some hospitals. Central government
renegotiated and bought down the rate by 10% to 20% but still it look high.
Don’t mind as we have only shield to this virus, I strongly hope that
everyone in our country get vaccinated as early as possible. A
