Mysore/Mysuru: In order to improve the pace of vaccination in the decisive battle to defeat Coronavirus, South Western Railway (SWR), Mysuru Division, yesterday launched a special drive to provide the first jab for the staff in the age group of 18-44 years working in the Divisional Office. 

The SWR Hospital will be vaccinating the eligible staff at the workplace itself through walk-in registrations.

Railway is carrying goods and passenger trains across the nation even amid the second wave of COVID-19 and it was all the more important to make sure that the Railway is duly protected and ensure uninterrupted running of trains.

Thanks to the initiative taken by Rahul Agarwal, Divisional Railway Manager, SWR Mysuru, for prioritising vaccination for all eligible Railway staff of the Division, nearly 79% of the eligible staff have already been inoculated as on 31.5.2021. The remaining staff will be covered in this drive.

Simultaneously, for the convenience of staff, vaccination is also being arranged at Chikjajur and Harihar Stations so that no one misses out on getting the protection. Vaccination in coordination with State Government was also done in Railway Health Units of Sakleshpur, Arsikere and Shivamogga Stations.

Meanwhile, similar vaccination drive is being held at Ashokapuram Workshop having a workforce of nearly 2,000 employees comprising over 1,400 in the 18-44 years age group. Over 550 of the 576 employees above the age of 45 years have already received their first dose of vaccine. The remaining eligible staff will be covered in the current drive.

Rahul Agarwal once again highlighted that basic Covid protocols like correctly wearing of face masks, maintaining 2 metres distance and frequently washing hands are still the most important weapons in fighting the invisible enemy. He emphasised that the battle with the second wave was not over yet and therefore no one should let the guard down. He called upon staff not to heed to the misinformation about the vaccines but instead must play an important role in countering the vaccine hesitancy by spreading awareness.

He complimented all medical and frontline staff for their great services in the face of severe adversity.