‘Don’t Deny Covid Vaccine To Vulnerable People Not Having ID Proofs’

Bhubaneswar: In an attempt to include all citizens under the Covid-19 vaccination drive, Odisha on Tuesday directed to include vulnerable people in the immunization drive, who don’t possess any of the seven prescribed ID proofs.

In a notification, the State Health and Family Welfare department directed all the district collectors, magistrates and municipal commissioners to expedite the process for timely vaccination of vulnerable group of people in their jurisdiction.

“In all the phases of COVID-19 Vaccination drive, it has been prescribed that the beneficiary must register in CoWIN portal for which identity & eligibility of the beneficiary through one of the seven prescribed ID proofs, but some vulnerable groups of citizens may not possess any of the seven prescribed identity cards. Such vulnerable persons may not be denied for COVID-19 vaccination for absence of identity proof.” the official notification read.

“Hence, there is a need to provide special consideration for COVID-19 vaccination of the vulnerable population. As these beneficiaries are also at risk of exposure to COVID-19 infection and the consequent squeal and outcomes of the disease during the pandemic. Such groups of people include nomads (including sadhu/saints from various religions), prison inmates, inmates in Mental Health Institutions, citizens in Old Age Homes, road side beggars. people residing in rehabilitation centres/camps and any other identified eligible persons aged 18 years or more, and not having any of above prescribed individual Photo ID Cards,” the notification stated.

“The CoWIN portal will provide the facility for creation of special vaccination sessions for this purpose. In this context, the districts & Municipal Corporations shall do appropriate preparation such as identification of Distinct Nodal Officer, Key facilitators, CVCs site and identification and enlisting of such persons to be vaccinated. Therefore, you are requested to expedite the process for timely vaccination of vulnerable group of people on priority in your District / Corporation,” it further stated.