Berhampur: The COVID-19 vaccination drive began in 11 centres of Ganjam district on Saturday with renowned endocrinologist and diabetes consultant in the city Dr Sunil Kumar Kota taking the first shot.
In his reaction after being administered the vaccine, Dr Kota said he was excited and jubilant. “There is no side effect. As per the scientific study, it is absolutely safe and effective,” he said adding that people should not be afraid of it and come forward to take the vaccine.
Dr Kota, who had the opportunity to interact with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik through video-conferencing, thanked the administration for taking health care professionals as the first recipient of the vaccine.
Ganjam Collector Vijay Amrit Kulange, who won accolades for efficient COVID management, said the frontline health workers have evinced keen interest in the vaccine.
The centres where the vaccine was administered in the district included City Hospital, MKCG, Christian Hospital and UPHC Aska Road (all in Berhampur city), Sub-Divisional Hospitals in Chatrapur, Bhanjanagar and Aska, Community Health Centres at Chikiti, Belagam, Dharakote and Sumandala. Each center administered the vaccine to 100 persons, mostly frontline health workers and COVID warriors.
