KOLKATA: Before the pandemic, they used to run the state’s routine immunization drive or be a part of vector-control teams to keep dengue at bay. But their lives took a sharp turn in January this year, after the Covid vaccination was rolled out. Since January 16, vaccinators and the support staff at KMC clinics have been working overtime to inoculate the population. And, in the process, many were also infected by the virus.
Deboprasad Chatterjee, who is involved with the vaccination centre at Sulekha, was infected with Covid-19 and had to be put on a ventilator for days. With the help of doctors, he managed to skirt death and, within a month, was back at the centre helping people with registration on Co-Win and getting the jab. He even lost his sister to the virus, but the loss made him more determined to step up the fight against the virus.
“Getting vaccinated is the only way to eradicate the disease. We will do everything in our capacity to contribute to this fight,” said Chatterjee.
He has seen many of his colleagues, like Alok Rudra and Manas Barua, getting infected while on the job, but the disease could not deter them from continuing with the mission either.
For some, like a vaccinator at Atabagan, the restrictions have only posed another challenge. “Everyday, I have to spend Rs 300 just on rickshaw fare to reach the vaccination centre. Still, I have managed to attend office every single day. I had to since a lot of lives are at stake and vaccination is the only solution,” she told TOI.
According to a joint director of a vaccination centre, the response of the vaccinators and the support staff to the current situation has been inspiring. “From embracing new technology to working days on end without leave and overcoming personal grief at the shortest possible time, they have done it all. Their commitment has helped us in vaccinating so many people so far,” she said.
Another centre head, however, sounded a word of caution. “The workload is so heavy that they are drained, both emotionally and physically. I urge all recipients to be more patient while coming to take the jab,” he said.
