PANAJI: The state government has designated deputy collectors as competent authorities to verify the urgency for reducing the gap between vaccine doses from 84 days to 28 days for those travelling internationally for work, education and the Olympics.
State immunisation officer Dr Rajendra Borkar told TOI that those who have to travel urgently under these categories will have to get themselves qualified by the deputy collectors by producing proof of documents.
Borkar said that there are only around 27,000 doses left from the 18-44 quota.“But second doses after 28 days cannot start until the portal is updated.
They will have to wait until the portal opens for these groups.
Only then will they be permitted to get vaccinated earlier.
It has not opened yet and could open any time,” Borkar told TOI.
Presently, only those in priority groups with required documentation in the 18-44 age group can get vaccinated.
These include lactating mothers, parents of children up to the age of 15, persons with disabilities, those with comorbidities, auto rickshaw and taxi drivers and motorcycle pilots and seafarers.
Undersecretary health II Gautami Parmekar submitted to the HC on Thursday that, due to the vaccine shortage for the priority groups in the 18-44 category, the government is utilising the quota of doses meant for the 45-plus group.
As against the 5 lakh doses of Covishield that the state govt sought to procure, it has received only 60,460 doses in two batches.
Borkar said that there are only around 27,000 doses left from the 18-44 quota.
The government, in its affidavit, stated that to ensure maximum utilisation of doses supplied for the 45+, sessions for health care workers, frontline workers and other 45+ beneficiaries are being held on all days at government health centres.
“Sessions are being conducted at workplaces, near houses through panchayat and tika utsav, for beneficiaries without ID cards and old age homes,” Parmekar stated.
The government has undertaken vaccination of inmates at Colvale jail.