New Delhi, Mar 31 (Agency) The government on Wednesday assured that there is no problem in the storage and logistics of vaccines and it will continually replenish states’ supplies. Dr R S Sharma, CEO, National Health Authority (NHA) and Chairperson, Empowered Group on COVID Vaccination, re-emphasised the point that there is no value in conserving vaccines for the second dose and that States must promptly supply vaccines to all government and private hospitals where there is a demand, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said in a statement.
He made the remarks chairing a high-level meeting along with Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan via video-conference with Health Secretaries, State Mission Directors of NHM and State Immunization officers of all States and UTs to review the status, pace and issues regarding COVID vaccination across the country as well as the preparations for April 2021 when vaccination would be extended to all persons above the age of 45. The meeting was themed at identification of low vaccine coverage pockets particularly in districts showing COVID surge and for taking corrective actions there. Regarding the vaccination coverage of Health Care Workers (HCW)s & Front Line Workers (FLW)s, the states and union territories were advised to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries are registered and vaccinated under category of HCW and FLW, archive incorrect/duplicate entries on CoWIN platform, identify pockets of low vaccination coverage – health facility/professional association/blocks, districts etc, for taking corrective action.