National Covid Vaccination Program has given priority to strengthen the country’s healthcare system by protecting the professionals, health and frontline workers. The Covid vaccination in the country commenced with vaccination to all Health Care Workers followed by Front Line Workers, citizens more than 60 years of age, citizens more than 45 years of age and eventually citizens more than 18 years of age. This was informed by a spokesperson of the Health Department here today.
He said that as per the guidelines effective from 1st May, 2021, the State was procuring vaccines for 18 to 44 years of age group. He said that these guidelines have been revised now. As per new guidelines Government of India will procure 75 percent of the vaccines being produced by the manufacturers in the country. The vaccines procured would continue to be provided free of cost to States. These doses would be administered free of cost to all citizens as per priority through Government Vaccination Centres, he added.
He said that the prioritization has been given to Health Care Workers, Front Line Workers, citizens more than 45 years of age, citizens whose second dose has become due, citizens of 18 years and above and within the population group of citizens more than 18 years of age.
He said that vaccine doses provided free of cost by the Government of India would be allocated to States based on criteria such as population, disease burden and the progress of vaccination. Wastage of vaccine could affect the allocation negatively. The Government of India shall provide advance information of vaccine doses to be supplied to the States and States shall further allocate doses to the districts. The information about the above availability at the district shall be widely disseminated among the local population.
He further said that all citizens irrespective of their income status are entitled to free vaccination. Those who have the ability to pay are encouraged to use private hospital’s vaccination centres. The CoWIN platform provides every citizen the facility of conveniently and safely pre-booking vaccination appointments and the revised guidelines shall come into effect from 21st June 2021.
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