Jamshedpur, June 15: As part of its effort to expand the reach of vaccination, the East Singhbhum district administration on Tuesday started a special drive for students and others going abroad for work.
On the very first day of the vaccination drive organised at the district collectorate building as many as 18 people of different age groups were administered the Covid-19 vaccine.
Deputy commissioner of East Singhbhum Suraj Kumar was present with other administrative officials on the occasion.
In all 88 students and others going abroad had registered, of which 18 were administered the Covishield vaccine on the first day of the drive today.
Health department officials said only Covishield would be administered during the special drive and that the time interval between two doses has been reduced from 12-16 weeks to four weeks for their convenience.
” Those seeking vaccination during the special drive will have to carry their passport, Aadhaar card and visa to get the shot at the vaccination centre. A vaccination certificate would be issued from the vaccination centre, ” said an official of the health department.
The health official explained that those who had already taken the first dose of vaccine and they need to travel abroad for their studies or work before the fixed date of second dose, will benefit from this drive.
The vaccination drive which will begin at 9 am and continue till 5 pm will offer both the first and second doses of Covishield.
Notably, every year, several students from the steel city fly to the USA and other countries to pursue their higher studies.
The health department has set a target of providing 1000 Covishield vaccine at this centre every day. An official said of the six-screen multiplex five were being used as waiting and vaccination area while the other one was utilised as observation area.
Deputy commissioner of East Singhbhum Suraj Kumar and district civil surgeon A K Lal gave necessary directives to officials controlling the centre for ensuring hassle-free vaccination process. Physical distancing norms and other Covid protocols were followed among those who had come for vaccination.
Officials of the health department said only those between the age group of 18 and 44 years who have booked online slots will be eligible for vaccination.