Coronavirus Vaccine Dry Run for Two Days Starts In Four States Today
Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Punjab are the 4 states where a 2-day dry run for the coronavirus vaccination program will take place from today. Selected districts in each of these states will be part of the program where the dry runs include monitoring of transportation arrangements and cold storage conditions. There will be focused monitoring of adverse events that might arise after the immunization.
Observations of the vaccine administration will be reported to the center by all the participating states. The government intends to administer 30 crore individuals in the initial phase of vaccine administration. 7000 individuals comprising of vaccinators and medical officers have undergone rigorous training of 2,360 sessions.
Katamaneni Bhaskar, the Health Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh, spoke to reporters on Sunday revealing that the Krishna district where the state’s coronavirus vaccine dry run will occur will be tested for the operations and mechanisms that have been planned and laid out in Andhra Pradesh. Before the actual vaccination drive begins, officials can identify and address any bottlenecks or gaps in the program through this dry run, he said.
Each state will hold 5 sessions at determined
locations with each session having 25 healthcare workers as vaccine recipients.Co-WIN app and AEFI
The government’s Co-WIN app which aids in providing information about prerequisites for vaccine administration and recognizing beneficiaries will be checked for feasibility.
There are efficient arrangements in the case of adverse events upon vaccine administration that include treatment centers and the formation of Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI) panels.
Mr. Bhaskar further explained the process after the coronavirus vaccine dry run which will include a report for the State Task Force and the Union Health Ministry. The State Task Force will evaluate the feedback and assist them with additional activities.
Nalbari and Sonitpur districts of Assam will participate in the dry run conducted by the Health Department. Officials report that the vaccine administration process will be tested end-to-end and will include mobilization of the vaccine and logistics to the two areas.
Serum Institute of India, Bharat Biotech, and Pfizer had applied to the DCGI (Drug Controller General of India) for EUA (Emergency Use Authorisation) of their coronavirus vaccines earlier this month.
More than 1.01 crore cases of COVID-19 infection have arisen in India, placing it second globally, only after the US. The vaccine has resulted in 1.47 lakh deaths, making it a deadly and highly infectious disease.
Author: Deepthi Prakash
