The first day of the third phase of Covid-19 vaccination kicked off in the union territory of Chandigarh on Monday with Punjab Governor and UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore among other prominent citizens receiving the first dose of vaccine.
A total of 493 beneficiaries above 60 years of age and 63 beneficiaries above 45 years with co-morbidities were inoculated on Monday. Prominent citizens above 60 years of age included UT Administrator VP Singh Badnore, his wife Alka Singh, Punjab ex-DGP NPS Aulakh, UP ex-DGP Harmol Singh Gill, Rajasthan ex-DGP Amarjot Singh Gill, Punjab ex-DGP PC Dogra, Punjab former Chief Secretary Sarvesh Kaushal, former UT Home Secretary Krishan Mohan among others.
A total of 1721 people were inoculated at 18 sites on Monday. This included 147 healthcare workers and 831 frontline workers, who got their first dose of vaccination, 187 HCWs who got second dose of vaccination, 493 people above 60 years of age and 63 people between the age group of 45-60 years with co-morbidities.
There were a few glitches in the COWIN portal initially which was duly rectified at the backend and the processes got smoother as the day progressed, said Dr Amandeep Kang, Director Health Services, Chandigarh. Dr Kang said that the five private hospitals who have participated in the vaccination drive on Monday also saw a good turnout of beneficiaries for the vaccine. The beneficiaries at most of the places availed the facility of on spot registration.
The number of private hospitals will be upgraded from five to nine hospitals from Tuesday, she added.
Till now, 11083 healthcare workers against the target of 24516, accounting for an achievement rate of 45.21% and 8796(37.30%) frontline workers against the target of 23584 have received the first dose of vaccination in the city. Apart from this, 1849 HCWs have got the second dose of the vaccination. Notably, the Central Government has allowed the vaccination of citizens above 60 years and above and those above 45 years with co-morbidity in the third phase of vaccination drive.
The nationwide COVID -19 vaccination drive was launched on January 16.