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Vaccine is best way to end Covid-19 pandemic: TS Health officials

By Telangana Today

Published: Updated On - 12:39 AM, Mon - 1 March 21

Every person over 60 years of age and those between 45 years and 59 years with pre-existing medical conditions should ensure that they get inoculated, say health authorities. (file photo) Second phase of the drive for priority age groups is being taken-up from Monday

Hyderabad: The second phase of Covid vaccination drive for priority age groups being taken-up from Monday is the best way to end the pandemic. Every person over 60 years of age and those between 45 years and 59 years with pre-existing medical conditions should ensure that they get inoculated as this is the demography that is most susceptible for severe form of Covid-19, health authorities on Sunday said.

“After the initial reluctance, in the last two weeks, we have seen a positive response from healthcare and field level workers in Telangana. Close to four lakh individuals from these two-groups in the State have received the vaccine so far, which is an achievement in itself. As people realised the efficacy of the vaccine, more and more turned-up,” said Director of Medical Education (DME), Dr K Ramesh Reddy.

There is no upper limit for 60 years of age group, as anybody who has crossed that age is eligible to get a free vaccine at a government facility and Rs 250 at private health care facilities. Individuals between 45 years and 59 years with comorbid conditions must submit a certificate of their medical condition at the vaccination centres.

“There is a form, which has already been circulated to all the doctors and also available online. Individuals with access to internet can download this form and get it signed by their regular doctor and submit the same at the vaccination centre,” health officials said.

The health department has also ensured that private hospitals with adequate infrastructure are permitted to take part in the vaccination.

“We have not accepted applications of all private healthcare facilities because there is a need to have requisite infrastructure to conduct Covid vaccine drive. Single speciality hospitals will not be allowed to conduct vaccination and only multispecialty health care facilities will be preferred,” Director of Public Health (DPH), Dr G Srinivasa Rao said.

At government hospitals where vaccines are to be administered, a doctor will be available who will access individuals before and after inoculation. “Since beneficiaries will be above 60 years and others are likely to have medical conditions, we have made seating arrangements and also ensured the presence of a doctor. After vaccination, beneficiaries will be kept under observations for 30 minutes,” Dr. Reddy said.