Bhubaneswar: In a bid to keep the surge of Covid-19 pandemic in check, Odisha Government has started the process for free vaccination for 18-44 years age group in as many as five major cities of the State.
However, a shortage of vaccine supply has prohibited the government to launch it across the State.
“The State has started the process of procurement of Covid-19 vaccine for vaccination of 18-44 years age group from its own fund. Presently, as the manufacturers are able to supply low quantity of vaccines, we are starting 18-44 years age group vaccination only in five Municipal Corporation of the State where the positive rate of Covid-19 infection is very high,” stated a press release issued by Additional Chief Secretary Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra.
“As the vaccine supply improves, other districts will be covered under the programme,” the release added.
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According to the order issued by the State government, after receiving the vaccine, the concerned districts or Municipal Corporations will start the vaccination process for the above age group at the government vaccination centers. The vaccination sessions for 18 to 44 years shall be planned from 8 am to 1 pm and for persons of 45 years and above, from 3 pm to 6 pm. The vaccine stock and its utilisation must be segregated and properly recorded on daily basis at all cold chain points in the district level.
The State Government has also approved to set up government sponsored vaccination centers in private hospitals.
The private hospitals shall be used as an extension of government CVC for vaccination of 18-44 years age group only. Vaccine shall be supplied to private hospitals free of cost and they shall be allowed to collect up to Rs 100 per dose from vaccines as service charge,” the order stated.
“The beneficiaries preferring to be vaccinated at these government CVCs in private hospital premises will be getting the vaccine free of cost and they only have to pay the service charge to the private hospitals,” it further stated.
(Edited by Mrunal Manmay Dash)