Bihar to vaccinate altogether 4,39,663 health workers in the first phase. A database of government health workers has been prepared while the private ones have been told to submit their list.
The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) on 03rd January 2021 approved the Oxford COVID-19 vaccine ‘Covishield’ manufactured by the Serum Institute of India, and indigenously developed ‘Covaxin’ of Bharat Biotech for restricted emergency use in the country.
Health minister Mangal Pandey said the two vaccines used for routine vaccination can be stored in cold chain equipment. Pandey said 932 deep fridges and 1,654 refrigerators have been arranged for keeping the vaccines in cold chain equipment. “Altogether 423 ILRs (a variety of refrigerators) have been sent to the districts. A total of 4,39,663 healthcare workers have been registered on the corona portal so far. Of which, 3,62,061 are from government institutions and 72,371 from private institutions. The rest belong to the Union ministry,” he said.
Giving details of the vaccination process in the first phase, the minister said there were 14,724 trained vaccinators in the state to carry out the drive. “In addition, 64,568 potential vaccinators have been identified in the state on COVID portal, who would also contribute. A total of 700 government institutions and 68 private institutes have been selected for vaccination in the first phase,” Pandey said.