A positive move indeed as the civic authority has decided to open drive-in inoculation centres for citizens in 45 years plus age group. Municipal Commissioner Radhakrishnan D has given nod to the move after discussion with civic officials and same would speed-up ongoing vaccination drive. At present two drive-in vaccination centres are in operation, one at Glocal Square Mall, Sitabuldi, and other one at V R (Trillium) Mall, Rambagh, Medical Square, and they function from 9.30 am to 5.30 pm. earlier, these two centres were opened for senior citizens 60-years plus citizens only and after monitoring the numbers of people administered the jab.
A number of people have been asking for drive-in as preregistration process is proving to be cumbersome and time consuming. NMC was being asked to open more drive-in centres so that jabs can be administered at faster pace now that there is much awareness among citizens. NMC in a communiqué stated that State Government has made the vaccine available for inoculation of citizens above the age of 45years for first as well as second doses. Vaccination will be done at all the centres of the civic body on Tuesday. Also, second dose will be provided to health workers and front-line workers. Only second dose of Covaxin is available at Government Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) and Late Prabhakar Datke Municipal Corporation Diagnosis Centre. As to vaccination of citizens above 18 years of age, the same is at presented postponed as per the instructions of the State Government.
Similarly, as per new direction Central Government, the second dose of Covishield is to be given to citizens between 12 to 16 weeks.