Covid vaccine booster shots available from today in Chandigarh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 9

Covid vaccine booster shots will be available in the city from Monday for persons aged 60 years and above with comorbidities, along with healthcare and frontline workers.

According to the UT estimates, the targeted population of 60 years plus with comorbidities is 15,600, while the number of healthcare and frontline workers is 26,237 and 22,438 respectively.

Before getting the booster shot, the Health Department has asked persons aged 60 years and above with comorbidities to consult their physician. However, there is no need for any doctor’s medical advice in writing to get the booster dose.

There must be a gap of nine months (39 weeks) from the date of administration of the second dose for the booster dose. As the vaccine for booster dose will be the same as the first and second dose, the Covishield vaccine will be used in Chandigarh.

The beneficiaries can get the dose at the vaccination centre for persons aged 18 years and above. They will be given preference at all such centres over the persons coming for the first or second dose.

The Healthcare workers and Frontline workers will get the dose at special counters or centres in the PGI GMCH-32, GMSH-16 and in Civil Hospitals (Sector-22, Sector-45 and at Mani Majra).

Besides, police personnel will get the booster dose at the Police Hospital in Sector-26, and the staff of the Municipal Corporation will receive the shot at the camp organised in the MC office, Sector 17.

The city has inoculated 25,509 children with the first dose (35.43% of the targeted population). UT Adviser Dharampal has directed the Health Department to vaccinate all eligible children with the first dose before Republic Day. The department has formed 11 more teams to be deputed at 33 places, including seven health facilities and 26 schools. The second dose has been given to 95.61 per cent targeted population of 18 years and above. The deadline for 100 per cent double dose coverage is January 14.

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