COVID vaccine to be administered on holidays too in Telangana

Hyderabad: The Covid-19 vaccination drive received a fillip on Thursday with everyone over the age of 45 becoming eligible to receive the jab. So far, vaccination was reserved for those older than 60 years, and those between 45 and 59 years with comorbidities, apart from healthcare workers and frontline staff.

In Telangana state, vaccination was expanded to the new category of people at all primary health centres.

With the number of cases rising, the Centre announced that it has been decided to work towards a rapid increase in the pace and coverage of Covid-19 vaccination.

In a letter to states and Union Territories, the Union health ministry said vaccination will be available at designated centres, both government and private, on all days of April. There will be no break in vaccination days and the service will be available even on officially announced public holidays across the country.

In Telangana, the health department said that as on March 31, a total of 12,64,026 doses of vaccine had been administered in the state. Of these, 10,24,990 persons received their first dose while another 2,39,036 completed their vaccination cycle by taking the second dose as well.

Dr Vikas Bhatia, executive director, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Bibinagar, said everyone over the age of 45 should get vaccinated, adding that vaccination will be available everyday starting from 9 am to 4 pm. He urged people to follow Covid-19 precautions such as wearing masks, observing physical distancing norms, and hand sanitation.