Sharing the experience of my parents at the Cooper Hospital for their 2nd dose of vaccine.

Brother and I after 2 days of continuous attempts were finally able to book a slot for them. Luckily the registration process was smooth for us. 1/n

They got their 1st dose in March 1st week. When the covid scene was not as bad as it is today. Back then, they were done with the process within 10 minutes. It was a walk-in process, with no waiting. After the dose was administered, they were taken to the observation room. 2/n

Where they sat for 30 minutes. Some juices, biscuits, and newspapers were kept to pass time and then we were home. Mom had minor pain in her shoulder for a day or two and dad was all good by God's grace. 3/n

Jump to 45 days later where India is registering 3 Lakh+ cases on daily basis. The situation had drastically changed. It took us 3-4 days to book the slot. Luckily enough we got it at Cooper again. This time, I took them to the hospital. 4/n

I had booked the first slot, I.e, 0900 to 1100 hours. We reached 0830 and we're surprised to see a 200-meter long line. All the oldies lined up to get their jabs. Standing dangerously close and not bothering about the virus with half of their masks going below their noses. 5/n

There was chaos as expected. Because the authorities made 2 lines. 1 for the 2nd dose and another one for the 1st dose. No clarity about which vaccine is available and how many doses are available. The police vans were stationed but the policemen were nowhere to be seen. 6/n

I asked my parents to sit in the car and rest. I stood in line for them as I was scared seeing the way people had lined up for the vaccine. I stood in the line for 4 hours and finally, our turn came. Meanwhile, there were fights as usual about breaking the line, etc. 7/n

The home guards were trying their best to segregate the 1st and the 2nd timers. But sadly some idiots kept breaking the line and stood in the wrong one despite clear instructions displayed everywhere. I called my parents at the entry gate where they were given the token no. 8/n

Token no 244 and 245. After waiting for 4 hours in line. The vaccination started at 0930 that day. After getting the tokens they were asked to wait in the waiting area where the staff came and shouted the numbers. A batch of 20 people was asked to come after every 10 minutes. 9/n

Then it was business as usual. The same procedure of administering the dose and then 30 minutes of waiting in the observation area. Since the government is planning to vaccinate all 18+ in the country, I have the following concerns. 10/n

1. People who hadn't registered or booked a slot on the Cowin app were directly turned away at the center. Onspot, registrations were not entertained at all. During the 1st dose, walk-ins are allowed. But now, no chance due to the rush. Poor people will suffer. 11/n

2. The BMC updates the vaccine stock available at all the hospitals a day prior but it's a different story altogether when you reach there. Even the home guards who are responsible for maintaining the line aren't aware of the stocks. They are questioned the most. 12/n

3. I was privileged to keep my parents safe inside the car till their turn came to go inside. But the way people line up for the vaccine, I won't be surprised if these very lines are the new super spreaders. The police have to ensure strict social distancing at the centers. 13/n

4. Clarity on the number of doses available of both the vaccines on the Cowin site is a must for every center. Just giving random numbers for the slots won't work. 3 times of that number are turning up now for the vaccine. 14/n