Confident of receiving the Covid vaccine in New Year, Health and Family Welfare Minister T.S. Singh Deo said on Wednesday that Chhattisgarh is ready for the first phase of vaccination which will cover around 2.34 lakh people, mainly frontline health workers.

It will act as a trial run for the next phases and preparedness of the State.

Addressing the media at his official residence here, he said positive hopes have built up with the approval of the vaccine by the UK. Its Indian arm will produce it after necessary approval at the government level.

In the State, the identification process and list have been sent to the Central government for the first phase of vaccination.

On Adverse Event Following Immunization (AEFI), he said people need to understand that a few cases will be reported. As the present Covid-19 vaccine is only effective 90-95% but for those affected the result is cent percent. Some complications will arise but it will be for a few.

The state has taken all necessary steps to identify all those who arrived from the UK. Among those who have tested positive, the identification of Covid UK strain has to be verified, he said.

On the preparation of testing new strains, the Minister said AIIMS, Raipur, is gearing up for testing the new strain as the genetic identification is necessary.

He accepted that non-Covid disease treatment has been affected in the state but it is hoped everything will be back on track soon.

As the virus persists for a longer period, everyone has to remain safe and continue with the standard operating procedure for around two years, the Minister said.