Dr Rebecca, DPO, UIP/RCH presented an update of the first and second phases of COVID vaccination drive during the meeting held on March 3.
Dimapur, March 3 (MExN): The Dimapur District Task Force (DTF) for COVID-19 vaccine meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS was held at DC’s Conference Hall on March 3.
The DC Dimapur highlighted the members on the implementations of the COVID vaccination drive in the district and informed that there was no case of severe adverse effect of the vaccine, only some mild side effects were reported which were normal and expected after any kind of vaccination.
Dr Rebecca, DPO, UIP/RCH presented an update of the first and second phases of COVID vaccination drive in the district and the State as a whole. She informed that during the third phase of vaccination, the eligible beneficiaries were; all citizens above 60 years of age and citizens between the ages of 45-59 years with co-morbidities; subjected to certification by registered medical practitioner.
She highlighted the criteria for a health facility to be designated as COVID Vaccination Centers (CVC) during the third phase of vaccination drive. In Government CVCs, vaccination is free of cost, however in Private CVCs, Rs 250 will be charged for vaccination.
She informed the members on the new updates of COWIN 2.0 app, which now support beneficiary’s registration on the spot thus allowing flexibility in the mobilization of beneficiaries. She stated that any eligible beneficiary may register themselves online and schedule COVID vaccination appointment using the COWIN portal. She elaborated on the online registration process
She reported that in Dimapur District, a total of 9705 beneficiaries, which includes the health care workers, frontline workers and citizens above 60 years, were vaccinated till date and vaccination is still going on for all eligible beneficiaries.
Dr Rebecca reminded the allied departments on the upcoming Deworming Day for children between 1 to 19 years commencing from March 22 to 28. She requested the Department of Education and Department of Social Welfare to continue rendering their support and co-operation in this annual health programme.
The DC in his closing remarks stated that number of new COVID positive cases is increasing in other parts of the country while there are no new cases in our State during the last few days and thus providing an opportune period for the district to carry out vaccination drive before the third wave of COVID infection hits the district.
He cautioned that unless the number of vaccination is increased to achieve herd immunity, the chain of COVID infection cannot be broken and there will be no end to this pandemic. He, therefore, urged outpost officers and other members of DTF to organize COVID vaccine sensitization programmes in their respective blocks and communities/organizations so as to mobilize the beneficiaries to get vaccinated.
