Vaccine for 60+ & above 45 with co-morbidities from March 1: Key points
This is the first time the private sector will be actively involved in administering vaccines, and doses will be available to eligible people who are willing to pay
The Covid-19 vaccination drive has been significantly opened up for the general public ahead of the previously estimated window of mid-March. Here is all you need to know about it:
•The second phase of the world’s largest vaccination drive will start from Monday in which anybody above 60 and 45 plus with co-morbidities can be vaccinated at 10,000 government medical facilities and over 20,000 private hospitals.
• This comes as the country is on the brink of a second wave of infections.
• The doses at the government centres will be free.
• Private hospitals will be allowed to charge for them, but the rate will be fixed and announced by the government.
• This is the first time the private sector will be actively involved in administering vaccines, and doses will be available to eligible people who are willing to pay.
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• Most of the details of the protocols are yet to be finalised.
• The sign-ups are initially expected to be allowed through the Aarogya Setu mobile application, which was launched last year as a digital contact tracing tool.
• Those eligible will be asked to download the Aarogya Setu app. There will be an option under the Co-WIN section where they can register and book an appointment for vaccination.
• Once registered, people may also be able to walk in to get their doses, as is the case at present for those eligible at the moment.
• For those with comorbidities, the government is expected to release a list of qualifying diseases.
• Gradually, there may also be helplines, an interactive voice response system option for those with basic phones, and also a web portal for registration.
• At vaccination sites, those seeking a dose will need to prove their identity by showing a government-issued identity card.
• India launched the vaccination campaign on January 16
• A little over 11 million people have since received at least one dose.
• India has so far immunised 1% of the population, while Israel 85%, and the US 23%.