GUWAHATI: Uncertainty remains over the vaccine brand to be given to the elderly, even as the state health department is gearing up to provide booster shots to an estimated eight to 10 lakh 60-plus citizens with comorbidities.
From January 10, booster dose will be given in the state along with the rest of the country.
“The state health department is still waiting for the Centre’s approval on the vaccine type with which the vulnerable elderly population will be vaccinated. There may be a booster dose covaxin or Cowishield Or both. Nothing is clear,” a source in the state health department told TOI.
The Centre’s direction in this regard is being eagerly awaited as sufficient numbers of available Covaxin doses have to be preserved for immunization of children aged 15 to 18 years, which will be continued along with the administration of booster doses. Although Assam While the projected target was to vaccinate 18.25 lakh children in the age group of 15 to 18 years, the actual number may cross 20 lakh, including the provisional population.
Apart from the vulnerable over 60 population, the state’s nearly 7.5 lakh frontline workers, including health officials, security personnel and police, Anganwadi Workers and COVID related service providers will also be eligible to get a booster dose. Nevertheless, 20% of the total population above 60 with comorbidities is being given top priority to vaccinate the above 60 population. They may not be required to present certificates to prove that they have co-morbid conditions. A self-declaration in this regard may suffice,” the source said.
The State Level Core Committee for Immunization met on Tuesday, in which representatives of all supporting agencies like WHO and UNICEF also participated. A health department official said, “A campaign will be launched soon to create awareness about booster doses and vaccines for children. Initially it may be a challenge in some parts, especially in rural and remote areas. ”
From January 10, booster dose will be given in the state along with the rest of the country.
“The state health department is still waiting for the Centre’s approval on the vaccine type with which the vulnerable elderly population will be vaccinated. There may be a booster dose covaxin or Cowishield Or both. Nothing is clear,” a source in the state health department told TOI.
The Centre’s direction in this regard is being eagerly awaited as sufficient numbers of available Covaxin doses have to be preserved for immunization of children aged 15 to 18 years, which will be continued along with the administration of booster doses. Although Assam While the projected target was to vaccinate 18.25 lakh children in the age group of 15 to 18 years, the actual number may cross 20 lakh, including the provisional population.
Apart from the vulnerable over 60 population, the state’s nearly 7.5 lakh frontline workers, including health officials, security personnel and police, Anganwadi Workers and COVID related service providers will also be eligible to get a booster dose. Nevertheless, 20% of the total population above 60 with comorbidities is being given top priority to vaccinate the above 60 population. They may not be required to present certificates to prove that they have co-morbid conditions. A self-declaration in this regard may suffice,” the source said.
The State Level Core Committee for Immunization met on Tuesday, in which representatives of all supporting agencies like WHO and UNICEF also participated. A health department official said, “A campaign will be launched soon to create awareness about booster doses and vaccines for children. Initially it may be a challenge in some parts, especially in rural and remote areas. ”
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