Telangana: COVID vaccination drive for 45 plus to resume from Tuesday

Those who are eligible for the second dose should visit the nearest government vaccination center for inoculation.

On May 15, the Telangana government had indefinitely postponed Covid-19 immunization drive due to shortage of vaccines. Most probably `Covaxin' appointment will be given to the people who have completed six weeks period.

CM KCR also directed Minister Harish Rao to identify super-spreaders and conduct a special vaccination program for them.

Meanwhile, the Centre on Monday allowed walk-in vaccinations at government hospitals for people in the 18–44 age group to reduce vaccine wastage. It was also an acknowledgment of the fact that not all beneficiaries may have access to the internet or smartphones or mobile phones to register themselves on the CoWIN portal.

The decision came after several states reported vaccine wastage as several beneficiaries failed to turn up. In such cases, on-site registration of a few beneficiaries may be necessary to minimize the wastage, the health ministry said.

Advising states to exercise caution to avoid overcrowding at centers, the ministry said clear instructions must be issued to all immunization officers that the decision of respective states on the walk-in facility is strictly adhered to

"Wherever such sessions are organized, all efforts must be made to mobilize such beneficiaries in sufficient numbers," the ministry said.

Till Monday, only those above 45 years were allowed the benefit of walk-in jabs. By allowing on-site registration for 18 plus, the ministry aims to cut wastage and increase the number of beneficiaries

Meanwhile, citizens of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, however have to wait because the governments have not announced the vaccination for the age group 18-44.