BENGALURU/HYDERABAD: Dispelling misconceptions and fears associated with the efficacy of Covid-19 vaccines, a 102-year-old retired Army officer, Subramanian KN, received the vaccine at Bengaluru while 100-year-old Hyderabad resident Jaidev Chowdhry got himself inoculated on Monday.
Subramanian, who received the vaccine at Columbia Asia, Hebbal, around 5pm, is perhaps the oldest to be vaccinated in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, Chowdhry, a retired entrepreneur, was one of the first to visit Hyderabad’s Medicover Hospital for the vaccine and suffered no side effects. Chowdhry urged everyone above 60 and those aged between 45 and 59 with comorbidities to get inoculated as it is tougher for people of these ages to fight infections with their immune systems becoming weak.
A 70-year-old Bengaluru resident, Naveen Kumar, whose lungs were compromised in a fire mishap four years ago, was the first to receive the jab at Jayanagar General Hospital at 1.20pm. Kumar, who carted a portable oxygen cylinder, said he and his wife had not stepped out of their home since the pandemic broke out. “We follow government instructions scrupulously,” Kumar said. His wife, Manjula, in her early 60s, also took the jab. Both had no side effects.
Ramaswamy Parthasarathy (97) got the vaccine at Columbia Asia, Hebbal. “I have not been ill for the past 3-4 years, so getting the vaccine was important for me,” he said. His caretaker told TOI the nonagenarian was perfectly fine post-vaccination and had no side effects. Those in the 45-59 group suffering comorbidities had to carry a letter from a treating doctor confirming the comorbidity.
Inder Neel Singh, 54, a Hebbal resident who works in a manufacturing firm, was the first to get the vaccine at Aster CMI hospital. He said registering on the Co-Win portal was a breeze and he completed the task in 15 minutes. “I carried my Aadhaar card and a medical certificate from my doctor on my diabetes condition. I’ve had no side effects so far and am fine,” said Singh.
Chowdhry, who was wheeled in by his family members for the jab, said, “Due to the pandemic, senior citizens in Hyderabad had to remain indoors for a long time, which, in turn, impacted their mental and physical health. I was waiting for this day to be vaccinated so I could return to my old routine and lead an active social life. I also see this as the only way to end the pandemic.”
Medicover Hospital MD Dr G Anil Krishna told TOI, “Chowdhry is an inspiration to all having doubts. By voluntarily coming forward, he sent a clear message that this is the only way to end the pandemic. If it is safe for a 100-year-old, it is safe for everyone.”