Those above 60 to get vaccinated from today

Tribune News Service

Jalandhar, February 28

The second phase of the Covid vaccination will commence from March 1. Registrations for this phase will begin from today.

Those above 60 years and above 45 years with 20 comorbidities specified by the government will be administered the dose. In this phase, barring AstraZeneca’s Covhishied, Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin will also be administered. At least, 10,000 doses of Covaxin have been ordered for the district. Those with comorbidities need to produce a certificate from a registered medical practitioner.

Even private sector has been roped in to vaccinate citizens. Beneficiaries can get the jab at private hospitals (empaneled with the government) for Rs 250.

The district health authorities said list of vaccination centres will be released after a nod from empanelled hospitals. In the first phase, 35,116 persons registered with the Health Department in the district. These included 15,435 health workers and 19,681 frontline workers. Of these, 21,215 beneficiaries (12,979 health workers and 8,236 frontline workers) have been vaccinated so far. Of 12,979 health workers vaccinated – 8,045 have received first dose, while 4,943 have received their second jab.

A total of 40,000 vaccines had been ordered for the district (20,000 already administered, while 20,000 more have been stacked for upcoming drive).

District Immunisation Officer Dr Rakesh Chopra said: “In the second phase, senior citizens and those with comorbidities will be administered vaccine for which registrations will start on March 1.”

He said: “On March 1, we will administer vaccine to some beneficiaries. We expect the process to start in full swing within two to three days. Private hospitals empanelled with the government will also administer the shot. We are waiting for a nod from private hospitals.”

No prior info about makers of vaccination

Dr Chopra said: “We have ordered 10,000 doses of Covaxin. Lakhs of people across the country have already been administered this vaccine. Beneficiaries will know makerof the vaccine once they reach the centre. No prior information will be provided on the app. Staff is obligated to tell beneficiaries, which vaccine they are going to be administered.” State Nodal Officer Covid Dr Rajesh Bhaskar: “People are free to choose whether they want to get vaccinated or not. Information regarding maker of the vaccine (Covishied or Covaxin) will be received by a beneficiary at the centre.”

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