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Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan today reviewed the COVID-19 vaccination drive and preparations with all States and Union Territories. From tomorrow, the COVID-19 vaccination is open for everyone aged above 45 years irrespective of co-morbidity. The meeting focused on the identification of low vaccine coverage pockets particularly in districts showing COVID surge and for taking corrective actions there.
With regards to the vaccination coverage of Health Care Workers and Front Line Workers, the states have been advised to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries are registered and vaccinated under these categories. Besides, the states were also asked to conduct regular reviews of vaccinations at Private COVID Vaccination Centres with respect to their capacity utilization. They were advised to ensure that there is no sedimentation of vaccine stocks at any level of storage. During the review meeting, the Centre also asked the States and UTs to maintain vaccine wastage at less than one percent. The states have also been directed to ensure timely utilization of available stocks to avoid expiry of vaccines.
In the meeting, Chairperson, Empowered Group on COVID Vaccination, Dr R S Sharma assured that there is no problem in the storage and logistics of vaccines. He reiterated that there is no value in conserving vaccines for the second dose and States must promptly supply vaccines to all government and private hospitals.
AIR Correspondent reports, the cut-off date for the 45 plus years category is those persons born before 1st January 1977. All persons of 45 years and above can register themselves in the CoWIN System for booking of appointments for vaccination. Onsite registration of such persons will also be permissible. People can go to their nearest vaccination centre after 3 PM for on-site registration with any identity document.
If a beneficiary has taken an online appointment for vaccination on CoWIN, then there is no need to take any further appointment at Private or Public hospitals. If any hospital does not follow these guidelines of vaccination, then one must lodge a complaint at toll-free number 1075.
