Vaccine stories from Goa’s youth brigade

Since vaccination slots for the age group of 18-44 has opened, several Goans are getting vaccinated from various centres. Those who can't secure a slot at an urban centre, are driving hours to a rural centre to get their jab. But finding a slot hasn't been easy for anyone! We speak to a few about their experiences reserving a slot and getting their dose.
It was quite a task to get a slot, as they would always show full, but after a bit of patience we did manage to find a slot on Sunday.But due to the cyclone, we couldn’t go before Monday. The vaccination centre was in a school, so proper social distancing was maintained in the classroom, and it was empty. It barely took us any time. It’s not entirely difficult to get a slot if you have patience. So keep at it. The vaccination is our hope to get past this pandemic
– Mandar Rao Desai, footballer, from Mapusa
Vaccination centre: St Clara’s High School, Assanora
This was my third attempt trying to get the vaccine. You have to be very swift, so my only tip would be, to keep refreshing the page, and stay alert. I didn’t select a district super close to my house because I knew they’d fill up the fastest. My centre was a two hours drive, and I had to wait at the centre for an hour inspite of only 20 of us being there, and me being the first person to arrive. Turned out it was their lunch break, so we had to wait from 1pm to 2pm. However, it was a quite centre, and everything was smooth, and well managed.
– Larissa D’Sa, travel & lifestyle influencer based in North Goa
Vaccination centre: Mallikarjun School, Canacona
I got my slot by pure luck, with so few slots available. I only hope that improves. One will have to keep trying until they find a slot. The staff at the centre were excellent – very professional and efficient. However, the health officer (the doctor in charge of the area) was alarmingly irresponsible – sat in the vaccination room without her mask and when requested to wear it while giving a press interview, she ignored the request saying a minute with the mask off won’t make a difference. I think the medical fraternity as a whole is doing a brilliant job. We all need to keep ourselves safe before, during and after vaccination too
– Keith Desouza, motorsport racer from Mapusa
Vaccination centre: Aldona
I managed to get a slot fairly quick, since I was prepared. You need to be lightning quick to ensure the slots don’t fill out before you get them. Literally, fastest finger first! We noticed was that the slots kept opening up periodically, so you had more chances over a two hour window. Don’t prioritise a specific centre. It’s okay if you have to travel a little bit to get your jab. It took me 20-25 minutes from the time of entry to the time of the jab, and then an additional 20 minutes under observation. The centre was well managed and things moved along quickly and safely
– Nikhil Tavora, entrepreneur, from Miramar
Vaccination centre: PHC Chimbel Vaccination
Booking a slot was a problem. I got through at the fourth attempt. I was excited to finally get a slot, but my experience at the centre was chaotic. The centre wasn’t aware that they were a chosen centre for the 18-44 age group. But after few back and forth conversations, the medical staff organised another counter. If you are getting your shot at a PHC, be prepared to be in a big crowd at a small facility. Make sure to go there early to take your token. The only aspect that’s valuable in your CoWin appointment letter was the 4 digit secret code and registered mobile number. Also, be completely covered and get yourself hydrated before you reach the centre. Avoid taking your mask off until you reach home, since COVID testing is happening in the same facility. Go early, take your token, be patient and practice social distancing on your own
– Aishwarya Nataraj, designer and architect from Old Goa
Vaccination centre: Corlim PHC
Isprang into action as soon as the slots opened and within three attempts at different locations I got it at Sanguem. Due to various time slots, the crowd was manageable and I had to wait for hardly 30 minutes for my turn to come. The process was hassle free. I’d suggest those wanting to book a slot to complete the registration process well in advance. Also searching slots by district and not by pin code helps
– Siya Shirwaikar, digital creator from Quepem
Vaccination centre: Govt HSS Sanguem