COVID-19 vaccines at workplaces soon, Centre asks states to make necessary preparations

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New Delhi: Centre is preparing to launch country-wide COVID-19 vaccination for workplaces, the states have been asked to make necessary preparations by Sunday, April 11.

The coronavirus vaccine drive will be undertaken at workplaces with atleast 100 eligible beneficiaries. 

Center has already prepared guidelines for COVID-19 innoculation drive at workplaces. The age limit criterion will remain the same, that is people above the ages 45 years and above will be eligible for the dose.

In a letter to the chief secretaries, Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan stated states can initiate due consultations with private/public sector employers and management to prepare for launch of work place vaccination. "Such work place vaccination centres may be launched across states/Union territories from April 11, 2021." 

Further, he said a substantial proportion of the population aged 45 years and above are working in the organised sector and are involved in formal occupation in offices (government and private) or manufacturing and services.

"In order to increase the access of vaccine to these populations, COVID-19 vaccination sessions may be organised at work places (both public & private) which are having about 100 eligible and willing beneficiaries by tagging these work places with an existing COVID vaccination centre," the letter stated, reported PTI.

Meanwhile, India recorded 1,15,736 new coronavirus cases, taking the total tally in the country to 1,28,01,785. According to the Health Ministry data, the death toll increased by 630 to 1,66,177. 

The is the biggest one-day rise in cases in the country ever since the pandemic began.