Mumbai: At Dahisar East, COVID-19 vaccine-seekers above 45 go home pleased

Vaccine receivers were very happy with the arrangements at this BMC centre in Dahisar East on Thursday. Pic/Satej Shinde

Sanjay Modi and his wife Sangeeta came out beaming after getting their anti-COVID vaccines at a Dahisar East centre on Thursday, which marked the inclusion of people above 45 years of age for inoculation.

"We are very happy that both of us have taken the COVID-19 vaccine. I am happy with the arrangements made by the BMC. The entire process from registration to vaccination was smooth and hassle-free," 55-year-old Sanjay told mid-day.

Sanjay and Sangeeta, 49, were not the only ones who went home mighty pleased with the government vaccination centre near the toll plaza, though the response on Day 1 appeared lukewarm.

Sanjay Modi, 55, and his wife Sangeeta, 49, got their doses on Thursday. Pic/Satej Shinde

Around 2 pm, there were over 40 people near the registration desk. Authorities had made seating arrangements for the beneficiaries. An official said registration helped citizens avoid long queues.

Dahisar East resident Devyani Pathak, 58, said she patiently waited for her turn. "I finally took my first dose of the vaccine. I'm impressed with the arrangements here and the entire process was smooth. I appeal to all those over 45 to take the vaccine in large numbers because prevention is better than cure."

Bharat Parmar, 49, who lives at Dahisar Ashokvan, said "With COVID cases increasing once again, more people should take the vaccine. At the same time, we should also follow social distancing and wear a mask.

Unlike the chaos during the initial days of vaccine delivery, the centre had everything in place for senior citizens, including those who came in wheelchairs.