Centre Reviews COVID Vaccination Drive and Preparations for April 2021 with all States and UTs

New Delhi: The Centre today urged the States and Union Territories to identify low vaccine-coverage pockets, particularly in districts reporting a surge in new infections, and take corrective action as the country prepares to open up its COVID-19 vaccination drive to people above 45 from April 1.

Rajesh Bhushan, Union Health Secretary and Dr R S Sharma, CEO, National Health Authority (NHA) and Chairperson, Empowered Group on COVID Vaccination chaired a high-level meeting through video conference with Health Secretaries, State Mission Directors of NHM and State Immunization officers of all States and UTs to review the status, pace and issues regarding COVID vaccination across the country as well as the preparations for April 2021 when vaccination would be extended to all persons above the age of 45.

The Centre asked the States to ensure that only eligible beneficiaries are registered and vaccinated under category of HCW and FLW.