Rashmi Ranjan

Bhubaneswar: A person administered Covid-19 vaccine will not be given a second shot of the vaccine if s/he gets infected with the virus after receiving the first dose, said Odisha Health and Family Welfare department director Bijay Panigrahy on Thursday.

Speaking to media, Panigrahi said, "Antibodies get created 42 days after the first shot of the vaccine and 14 days after the second dose. If a person again tests positive for the virus in between the first and second dose, then the second shot will not be administered to him or her."

Meanwhile, the countdown has begun for the first phase vaccination in Odisha scheduled from January 16 with preparations reaching final stages across the State.

On the preparedness of mass vaccination, Panigrahi said, "For the smooth conduct of mass vaccination, SMSs will be sent to health workers informing them details about the immunisation itineraries. Date, place and timing of immunisation will be shared with doctors and health workers through SMS."

"41 deep freezers have reached Odisha and those will be sent to all districts across the State. Meanwhile, vaccines have been sent to all cold chains and vaccination centres across the State," Panigrahi informed.

Earlier yesterday, the State Health and Family Welfare Department had  issued guidelines with regard to Covid-19 vaccination to be carried out from January 16 at around 160 sessions in different districts and Municipal Corporations in Odisha.

Odisha has received 4.08 lakh doses of Covishield vaccine and 20000 doses of Covaxin vaccine in the first lot. The wastage factor of both the vaccines is 1.11 (10 per cent). While 50% of the vaccines received would be supplied to districts for first dose vaccination, the remaining 50% vaccines will be supplied in time for second dose vaccination.

Two types of vaccines – Covishield vaccine and Covaxin vaccine – with a shelf life of six months will be supplied to the State. Each Covishield vaccine vial contains 10 doses while each Covaxin vaccine vial contains 20 doses.

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