KOLKATA: An abrupt end to camps in housing complexes and blocks in New Town due to unavailability of vaccines has left the families worried about the inoculation of helps and other support staff.
While many have not been able to take even their first dose, the worry is also for those who will soon be eligible for their second dose.
"Many households have taken upon themselves the responsibility of getting their support staff jabbed with the vaccine. But the dilemma of choosing between doing without support staff and accepting the higher risk of infection from unvaccinated persons is one problem that many of us have faced. It is imperative for the supply of vaccines to improve to a consistent level so that jab centres can plan a few days ahead and citizens know what to expect.-Times View"
New Town Forum and News, an umbrella body of residents’ association in New Town, has drawn up a list of people need to be vaccinated and has submitted it to the New Town Kolkata Development Authority, the agency responsible for the civic upkeep of the township.
Several families have also instructed their domestic helps to try and get vaccinated in their neighbourhoods if possible because of the crisis in the township.
Many families that have elderly people or those with co-morbidities are even sending their helps and drivers on leave till they can arrange for their vaccination.
“Our help at home is yet to get even his first dose of vaccination. During the vaccination camps in the township, he was at his native place in the district. Now the camps are not happening and we are not getting slots in any of the private hospitals that have long waiting lists. My in-laws are old and ailing and I am worried for them,” said Ruchi Saraf, a homemaker in Action Area 1 of New Town.
At the peak of the second wave, many residents welfare associations had barred house helps, drivers, gardeners and other support staff from entering the gated communities for the fear of spreading the virus.
“The maid at my house has not received her first dose of vaccine because no camp has been organised in her village in Bantala. I have two kids and I am worried about them as health workers have been saying that the third wave might impact the children badly. We are trying to get her vaccinated but if it doesn’t happen in a few days, I might send her on leave till I can arrange for her vaccination,” said a businessman in New Town who did not wish to be named.
New Town Forum and News has drawn up a list of at least 6,000 who need their first dose, including helps and other support staff.
“This will take care of the first dose but we will also have to start preparing for those who will be eligible for their second dose. We will need a higher number of vaccines for that,” said Samaresh Das of the forum.
