No guidelines from central and state govts, so no booster shots for now: BMC

Photo for representational purpose

While a majority of healthcare and frontline workers have got both doses of the vaccine, the BMC currently has no plans of giving them the booster dose.

Approximately 83,000 healthcare workers and 64,000 frontline workers took their second shot before March end and they will complete six months from then by September end. As discussions regarding the booster shot have started, some feel that a survey to check the presence of antibodies among the workers would help the authorities concerned take a decision.

The healthcare and frontline workers received the vaccines on priority when the nationwide inoculation drive started in January. A majority of them has taken both doses, as the gap between shots was four weeks back then. The World Health Organization (WHO) hasn't yet promoted the booster dose and the central government, too, is yet to consider it.

"We were working in Covid wards when there weren't any vaccines available. Nurses will do their duty under all circumstances. But for safety purposes, a survey should be conducted to check the presence of antibodies. It will also help authorities decide on the booster shot. Also, how can we ask for a booster dose when so many citizens are still awaiting their first shot?" said Ranjana Athavale from the nursing and paramedical staff union.

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"The government only decided to give us the first dose on priority, so we will wait for it to decide on the booster dose as well. We are getting support from the BMC and there aren't any issues with respect to protective gear," said Pradip Narkar, assistant general secretary, Municipal Mazdoor Union.

"We plan as per the guidelines of the central and state governments. No guidelines have been issued on the booster dose, hence, we haven't thought about it," said Suresh Kakani, additional commissioner of the BMC.