Thilak was desperate to get his Covid vaccine as it is necessary for him to be in his job as a security person in the hotel, where he works. Migrated from Nepal in 2019, Thilak has settled in Kerala and working in Malabar Hotel as a security guard.

“I don’t have anyone to help him in doing the registration process,” shared Thilak. The vaccination process is very valuable for him to keep his job as he is the only breadwinner in the family.

According to health department stats, as on Sunday, 1,66,89,600 people (first dose for 1,20,10,450 and second dose for 46,79,150 people) were given vaccines. Among the vaccinated people, only 14,890 migrant labourers were administered the vaccines by the Labour department. 

Kerala chief minister Shri. Pinarayi Vijayan on Tuesday stated that “The present circumstance is that we are facing [an] acute shortage of the jab. That is the truth.” The State has flagged the shortage of vaccines and asked the Center Government for increasing the supply. 

As part of the Covid-19 second wave response programme, Caritas India partner Cochin Social Service Society (CSSS) has conducted the data collection from 1550 Migrant workers from Aroor, Chellanam, Kumbalangy Panchayaths, and Cochin Corporation regarding the Covid 19 Vaccination status of the Migrants. Out of the surveyed population, 334 Migrants workers availed themselves free vaccination due to the vaccine shortage and lack of awareness on the vaccination process.  

Thilak was one of those fortunate people who received their covid vaccine under the drive. He expressed his satisfaction and gratitude for helping people like him in getting this vaccine to the most neglected section of society.

In this current scenario, Caritas India came forward to support the most marginalized and ignored migrant community with vaccines. As a part of Covid 19, the Second Wave Response Programme vaccination program was conducted by Cochin Social Service Society on July 29, 2021, at Mother Teresa Hall to vaccinate 300 people with the support of Caritas India and the funding from the Regensburg Diocese through Caritas Germany.

Vicar General and President of CSSS Rev. Msgr. Shaiju Pariyathasesery along with Honorable Cochin Corporation Mayor Sri. Adv. M. Anil Kumar inaugurated the program. CSSS Director Rev. Dr. Augustine Kadeparambil explained the need and relevance of the program in the area.

In his presidential address Rev. Msgr. Shaiju Pariyathassery shared that this program shows our true commitment to the migrants well being and consider them as one of ours. He congratulated all the staff and Caritas India’s program associate for co-coordinating the program.

Inauguration of vaccination to the migrants was done by the Honorable Mayor of Cochin Corporation Sri. Adv. M.Anil Kumar. He stated that first these workers were labelled as Migrant Labors and later in our God own country they are being considered as our guests who are treated with respect and love. He also added that vaccination drive could have been done by our corporation but unfortunately due to the adverse situation, it became difficult. He welcomed the initiative of CSSS with the co-operation of Caritas India which deserves praise and more respect. He appreciated Sri.Benny Fernandez from Cochin Corporation Counselor for his sincerity in his duty.

The program felicitation was done by Deputy Thahsildhar, Cochin Taluk Sri. Joseph Hertez, where he appreciated CSSS Director for his readiness in implementing this vaccination drive and he pointed out that the food kits that were given to migrants were very valuable and much obliged.