India is preparing to vaccinate at least 250-300 million people, including some 30 million healthcare and frontline workers, against coronavirus disease (Covid-19) by July next year, for which it will seek acquire between 500 and 600 million. vaccine dose.
The Center regularly follows up with states to devise measures to successfully launch the Covid-19 vaccination campaign across the country, likely to begin in the first quarter of next year, when the vaccine is expected to be available for use. .
Initially, approvals for manufacturers are likely to be under emergency use authorization, and later, after analyzing the full data from phase 3 clinical trials, there will be marketing approvals for use by the general public. .
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“A crucial part of the strategy is getting the exact list of people who need to be vaccinated with priority. States were asked to develop a list of population groups to which the vaccine will be administered in the first phase. To start with, we are looking to vaccinate some 30 million frontline workers. That is our top priority, as they have the highest risk of exposure to the virus, ”said a senior health ministry official.
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The national vaccine committee of the Center on Covid-19 has established different categories for the administration of vaccines with priority.
Crown Warriors, Including Frontline and Healthcare Workers, People 65+, People 50-65, and People Under 50 with Chronic Diseases Are on the Vaccine Must List with priority.
The Union Ministry of Health has asked states to establish committees to oversee and coordinate the vaccination process at the ground level, while ensuring there are minimal disruptions to other routine health care services.
In a letter previously written to states, the Union’s health secretary, Rajesh Bhushan, suggested the formation of committees at the state and district levels to review preparatory activities.
“In all likelihood, the introduction of the Covid-19 vaccine will span more than a year with the inclusion of multiple groups sequentially, starting with healthcare workers. Therefore, it is important to create a robust advisory and coordination mechanism at the state and district level to guide the process of introducing the Covid-19 vaccine while ensuring minimal disruption to other routine health care services, including immunization ”, according to the shared terms of reference. with the states.
The committees will also coordinate cold chain enhancement, vaccinator capacity building activities and field staff, as needed.
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