Bhubaneswar: The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) on Monday launched doorstep Covid-19 vaccination drive under its jurisdiction to inoculate people above 45 years of age at their homes.
The ambitious drive has been rolled out to ensure hassle-free vaccination of citizens above 45+ age groups.
As informed by the Zonal Deputy Commissioner (ZDC) Anshuman Rath, the BMC has started the drive at six residential apartments in three zones.
As part of the programme, the civic body is reaching out to Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs). It has set a target of inoculating 200 people at each apartment, informed Rath.
Speaking about the drive, BMC Commissioner, Sanjay Singh said, “We are targeting large housing societies which have more than 100 beneficiaries above 45 years of age. Our aim is to complete the vaccination under BMC’s jurisdiction as soon as possible. The drive is being conducted with all the government guidelines in place”
It is pertinent to mention here that the State has an abundance of Covid vaccine made by Bharat Biotech and sold under the brand name of Covaxin for the age group above 45 years. However, beneficiaries from age group of 18-44 in Bhubaneswar are facing difficulties to book slots for the jabs.
Keeping this discrepancy in mind, State Health Minister has urged the Centre to allow Odisha to divert the surplus stock Covaxin doses meant of 45 years and above age group to the youths.
“Yes, there is a shortage of Covaxin for the age group of 18+ age group. We are in process to obtain more and the shortage will soon be resolved,” said Singh.