Leading doctors get shots, say vaccination process is safe

Leading doctors get shots, say vaccination process is safe

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bengaluru:  17.01.2021

Not just healthcare workers, top doctors in Bengaluru and other cities also took the first dose of Covid-19 vaccine on Saturday to instil confidence among others. Dr H Sudarshan Ballal, the chairman of Manipal Hospitals, described the nationwide launch of the vaccination programme as a red-letter day for the healthcare sector.

“After being bruised and battered by Covid for a year, we finally have come up with a vaccine, which has been tested and manufactured in India and rolled out by the prime minister. I am privileged to be among the first recipients of this vaccine,” he said. “The process was extremely smooth, right from the time I entered the centre to the time I left. The personnel were courteous and professional, and they explained the whole procedure and mentioned possible side effects. I’m feeling fine. The next dose will be after four weeks.”

Dr Ballal urged citizens to ignore rumours and get inoculated when their turn came. “We need all the tools available to fight Covid. Please don’t go by rumours about side effects and have faith in the scientists who have developed and delivered the vaccine in record time. It’s a matter of pride for us; please don’t insult their achievements,” he said. He strongly recommends continued adherence to mask use, social distancing and other precautions: “Please don’t let your guard down just because the vaccine is here.”

Dr MK Sudarshan, the chairperson of Karnataka’s technical advisory committee, said that the benefits of vaccination outweighed the risk. “The vaccine is safe and everyone should come forward to take it. I got the vaccine on my left arm and there is no pain. During observation after vaccination, we were chatting. There were no side effects and I don’t see any difference in my routine work,” he said.

Virologist Dr V Ravi, who is also a member of the committee, said that India had covered an important milestone. “I feel a deep sense of pride that we are capable of competing with the rest of the world by producing high-quality vaccines. Very few people get the chance of getting the vaccine in the first phase and I was fortunate. As a virologist, I know how safe the vaccine is,” he said. Dr Pratima Murthy, professor of psychiatry, Nimhans, was also among the senior doctors who received a shot. “The maximum reaction I think is pain in the recipient’s arm. It’s very exciting to be one of the first recipients,” she added.

SETTING AN EXAMPLE

Don’t stop taking Covid precautions

Paediatric surgeon Dr K Anand Pai of the Regional Advanced Paediatrics Care Centre at Wenlock District Hospital was among the first doctors to receive the vaccine in Mangaluru. He went to the vaccination booth after completing a surgery. He said that though vaccines had been rolled out, people should not stop following Covid-19 rules such as wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing. “Everyone had been waiting for this day. We didn't expect the vaccine to come this fast,” said Dr Pai, who contracted Covid in August last year. “I advise everyone to take the shot when their turn comes. But don’t stop wearing masks.”