State Steering Committee meeting for the implementation of COVID-19 vaccination drive was held today under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary Anil Khachi. Chief Secretary directed the Health Department to ensure 100 percent vaccination of the Health Care Workers and Frontline Workers with second dose who have been inoculated with the first dose. Secretary Health Amitabh Awasthi detailed about the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination drive in the state. Mission Director National Health Mission Nipun Jindal informed that 3,67,500 doses of Covishield vaccine has been received in the state in three lots. He further informed that till 16th February 2021, 63282 Health Care Workers (HCW) and 20963 Front Line Workers (FLW) have been vaccinated, resulting into an achievement of 76 percent and 41 percent respectively against the target.
The deadlines for first dose for HCWs and FLWs is 20th February 2021 and 1st March 2021 respectively. The committee was further apprised that 2907 HCWs have been administered the 2nd dose as well. The vaccine wastage in the state has been 3.46 percent which is well below the permissible limit of 10 percent. The AEFI percentage occurrence as reported on application is 0.6 percent. The State is undertaking regular IEC campaigns to counter misinformation and vaccine hesitancy and the cooperation from all departments is being received for the smooth implementation of vaccination drive.
The committee appreciated the performance of the State. The committee also deliberated that there are many categories of persons like media person, bus drivers, conductors and teachers etc. who are in direct contact of masses and are considered more vulnerable to catch and spread COVID-19 infection. The committee directed to take up the matter with the Government of India for permission to cover persons with these occupations in ongoing phase of front line workers.
