Those above 60 mainly reporting to get the jab

Jalandhar, March 3

Those above 60 years have been making it to vaccination centres to get the jab in the second phase. And the numer of those above 45 years with comorbidities is almost negligible.

At Global Hospital (one of the private empanelled hospital) where vaccination drive began on March 2, 111 beneficiaries, mostly senior citizens reported in the last two days (51 on Tuesday and 60 today).

Even as citizens eagerly sign up for being vaccinated, persisting glitches in the software has made things a bit chaotic as entries can’t be updated on real-time basis. At private centres, unregistered elderlies were not being entertained.

Ashok Anand (74), went to the vaccination centre set up at the Global Hospital, with his 68-year-old wife, Urmil Anand, and 84-year-old brother, Brij Bhushan Anand.

Ashok said, “It is very necessary that we get ourselves vaccinated. The Covid-19 has impacted elderlies the most. The vaccination offers much-needed respite.”

Harminder Singh Sehgal, who came to get the jab, said, “The portal to register for the vaccination does not function properly. Thus, it’s difficult to get registered. I was able to register as the portal was working. It is very necessary to get vaccinated as it provides protection.”

Prof RN Ghai, who was waiting to get the dose, said, “On Tuesday, I came to the hopsital to enquire about the vaccine and I registered on the app. I will get vaccinated today and my wife will be vaccinated later. We have heard that one does gets fever for a day or two. So, both of us don’t want to be vaccinated at the same time.”

Dr Navjot Dahiya, chief, IMA (Punjab), and MD, Global Hospital, said, “At least 110 beneficiaries have got themselves vaccinated in the last two days. Technical glitches do persist. We have not been able to make entries of people who got vaccinated on Tuesday on the portal yet. After consultation with the district health authorities, we have been allowed to make entries in retrospect because the portal is not working. Also one-time password (OTP) is not being generated. A patient trying to register since afternoon, received his OTP at 1.30 am. There is a need to review the process.”

Speaking about senior citizens primarily reporting to get vaccinated, Dr Dahiya said, “A few people with comorbidities are reporting for the vaccination. This is probably because those with comorbidities have to get a health certificate from a registered medical practitioner.”

PIMS all set

Jalandhar: The PIMS is set to initiate the second phase of the Covid-19 vaccination drive. Resident director, Amit Singh said: “Beneficiaries will be closely monitored after vaccination and we will be in touch to know about their experience. Registration is open and those eligible will be able to register and book an appointment using the Co-WIN 2.0 portal (www.cowin.gov.in). People can register on the Co-WIN 2.0 portal by keying in their mobile numbers and following the steps.” Director Principal Dr Kulbir Kaur said as the country has begun inoculating its elderly against the coronavirus disease, all necessary arrangements have been put in place. In this phase, people above the age of 60 years and those above 45 years who are in the high-risk category will be administered the dose, he said.

1,160 administered dose

• Out of 1,160 persons vaccinated on Wednesday, 540 are senior citizens and 35 above 45 years with comorbidities
• On Tuesday, 143 senior citizens got vaccinated
• A total of 174 healthworkers and 411 frontline workers were given the dose
• Of the 72 private hospitals in the city – only seven have come up with vaccination centres so far
• Vaccination centres are also operational at nine government sites

New cases hit a century in Hoshiarpur

Hoshiarpur: The fresh cases of Covid crossed the 100 mark in Hoshiarpur on Wednesday. The reports of 2,352 samples were received on Wednesday, of which 90 new positive cases were reported from the district, while 18 patients were from other districts. With this, the total number of positive patients rose to 8,760. With one more Covid death on Wednesday, the toll rose to 375. The number of active cases in the district is 463, while the number of patients who have recovered is 8,161. Civil Surgeon Dr Ranjit Singh Ghotra said of 90 positive patients found in the district, 15 positive patients have been found in Hoshiarpur city and the remaining 75 have been found in other health blocks of the district, while 18 were reported from the districts. He said there were 18 hotspots and eight micro-containment zones in the district. OC

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.