Fearing drinking pause, several workers avoid jab in Bengaluru, Haveri

BENGALURU/ HAVERI: The notion that one may have to keep off alcohol for some time after being vaccinated affected the turnout on the first day of the vaccination programme for frontline workers. BBMP had set a target of vaccinating 10,700 frontline workers on Monday. But only 1,470 showed up and took the jab at 164 session sites. Haveri also saw disappointing numbers despite an awareness drive.
Haveri district surgeon Dr PR Havanur said that many beneficiaries avoided the jab after assuming that they would have to cut out drinking for six weeks post-vaccination.A number of group ‘D’ workers, such as sweepers and mortuary staff, shared their fears of an adverse reaction with him.
Rajendra Cholan, special commissioner, BBMP, said that many pourakarmikas were regular drinkers and it was a challenge to dispel their doubts. “There is a misconception that if one is vaccinated, they won’t be able to consume alcohol. It is challenging to educate staff about it. As they have been working relentlessly for the welfare of society, we want to ensure they are safe, but their vaccine hesitancy is worrisome,” he told TOI.
According to the data accessed by TOI, only 20 per cent of the intended beneficiaries were covered in east, south and west zones in Bengaluru. A BBMP official said that many pourakarmikas backed out at the last minute. Nagarathnamma K, a pourakarmika from Kengeri, said that her husband also collected garbage from households and he was a regular drinker. “It is not easy to work amidst the muck. The civic administration does not even provide us with the right safety gear, so our hands stink of garbage. Drinking is a way to destress for many workers,” Nagarathanamma said.
Tipper driver Manjunatha Gowda from Kavalbyrasandra is also wary of taking the vaccine. “I am worried that I will suffer a bad reaction. Who will take care of my family if I fall ill?” he said.
A private medical practitioner also expressed apprehensions. “I am not addicted to alcohol, but it’s difficult to stay off it for six weeks. My friends and I gather once a week to refresh ourselves after hectic work. I have not taken the vaccine yet,” he said.