Since the beginning of the COVID-19 Pandemic and Lockdown on March 2020 till date, measures like
hand hygiene, social distancing and testing have worked only partially to contain the cases and deaths.
Cooper and Nair Hospitals were amongst the nodal centres identied in January 2021 to launch the Nationwide Vaccination
drive in Mumbai.
Aim: To highlight the pattern of vaccination roll-out, procedures in various phases and discuss concerns, challenges and effect
on our workforce and workplan.
Methodology: We reviewed the patterns, uptake of vaccine, procedures and problems faced by our vaccination centres from
January 15 till April 30 (4 months). We also looked into adverse events following immunization (AEFI) reported. th th
Results: Over 68,000 vaccine doses have been administrated in Cooper alone by April end, and issues were analysed in detail
with special reference to logistics & challenges. AEFI were very few. We found that initially anxiety about side effects, concerns
about choice of vaccine and long-term effects were the major impediments to vaccination. Later on, the demand exceeded the
supply.
Conclusion: Although vaccination is not the nal answer, it is an important tool to improve our response to the pandemic.
Reviewing, restructuring available resources is essential in pandemic situations. Proper planning, counselling and choice in
the way forward in this crisis.