COVID-19 vaccination for 45+ people starts April 1; 2000 more centers to be set up soon: Sudhakar

Mangaluru: Medical Education Minister informed that the next phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive for citizens above 45 years of age will begin from April 1.

Addressing presspersons after visiting Kudupu primary health center Sudhakar said, “As many as 3000 vaccination center have been operating and now 2000 more centers are all set to open soon.”

He further requested everyone to follow the fresh guidelines issued by Chief Minister BS Yediyurappa.

The countrywide vaccination drive was rolled out on January 16 for healthcare workers, which further extended to frontline workers from February 2 onwards.

The next phase of the inoculation drive commenced on March 1 for those who are over 60 years of age and for people aged 45 and above with specified co-morbid conditions.

The central government had announced that citizens who are eligible for the vaccine can register via the Co-WIN website or Aarogya Setu app for Android and iOS.

The government has also developed a dedicated Co-WIN app, however, it is currently accessible by admins. Its availability for every citizen remains unclear.

Both Co-WIN portal and Aarogya Setu platforms let a user register at least four family members (including the user) for the COVID-19 vaccine. The platform essentially allows users to find the nearest vaccine centre (could be both government or private centres) and book a slot, as per the availability.

Citizens also have the option to update the slot or cancel the appointment altogether.