The state government on Monday extended the time limit for the healthcare workers to get their first shot of Covid vaccine from February 12 to 19.
However, those failing to get covered till then may not get free vaccination and will be vaccinated under the drive to inoculate the general population after the completion of ongoing Phase 1 and 2.
Besides, the vaccination of frontline workers in the ongoing second phase will be completed by the first week of March.
This was decided at the third meeting of the State Steering Committee for Covid vaccination, chaired by the Chief Secretary, Ms Vini Mahajan, here this evening.
“It was decided that the first dose of vaccine, which was to be provided to healthcare workers only up to February 12, would now be given up to February 19. However, those who fail to opt for vaccination by then, would be vaccinated with the general population and may not get free vaccination on priority,” said an official spokesperson.
Reviewing the progress of the inoculation drive in the state, the Chief Secretary directed the Health department to monitor and review the post vaccination adverse reaction, if any, to the vaccinated beneficiaries.
Ms Mahajan further instructed the department to collect offline data of healthcare and frontline workers, who have not yet been registered and were willing to get vaccinated, and keep it ready for registration. The state government would request the Centre to allow uploading such data and vaccinate the interested persons covered under the priority groups.
She asked the department officials to minimise the wastage of the vaccine and strictly monitor the use. She also directed to immediately collect the data of frontline workers working at the state headquarters to cover them under the ongoing drive.
Principal Secretary, Health and Family Welfare, Hussan Lal, assured the Chief Secretary of prompt action by the department on the suggestions and directions given by her.
He informed that 2.05 lakh healthcare and 1.68 lakh frontline workers have been registered for vaccination in the state so far. All healthcare workers have been offered the opportunity to receive their first dose of vaccination. He also assured that vaccination of frontline workers will be completed by the first week of March.
The senior officers of the Health department, administrative secretaries of various departments -- Social Security Women and Child Development, Rural Development and Panchayats, Local Government, Housing and Urban Development, Revenue, Home, Sports and Youth Services, School Education, Social Justice, Empowerment and Minorities, Information and Public Relations, Labour and Employment, WHO and Senior Project Officer, UNDP, Punjab -- were present in the virtual meeting.