Students to get free Covid booster jabs in Odisha colleges

Students will now be administered free booster doses at engineering colleges, hostels and other higher educational institutions, informed Odisha Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Mahapatra on Thursday.

Mahapatra today reviewed the COVID situation in a high-level meeting and directed Collectors and concerned departments to remain extremely vigilant and vaccinate 18-59 age group on campaign mode. 

He also directed to intensify the awareness and enforcement activities like wearing of masks, avoiding the crowd, and maintenance of physical distance.

Mahapatra also directed the Collector and the Municipal Commissioners of all ULBs to spread information about the location of vaccination centers, call center and help center numbers, and facilities for treatment.

Besides, Medical colleges and dist admins were asked to have separate COVID wards. They were also directed to be in all readiness for enhancing the number of beds as per requirement.

Earlier today, Health and Family Welfare Director Bijay Panigrahi informed that the State government is prepared to provide free booster doses at 2,500 vaccination centres. 

"We have adequate number of health workers to vaccinate booster doses to beneficiaries. However, we have not enough stock of vaccines compared to number of beneficiaries. And the Centre will be informed about it,” said Panigrahi.