Tirupati gears up for vaccine rollout

Tirupati: As a run up to the much anticipated Covid vaccination drive, a dry run was taken up here on Saturday. Following the government of India's guidelines, three places in each district were selected for the purpose. Accordingly, SVIMS clinic in Tirupati, Urban health centre in Chittoor and a private hospital – Chandra Mohan Nursing home in Madanapalle were selected in the district.

The process helped the officials to test the planned set ups for Covid-19 vaccination and to know any gaps that may come across in the real vaccination process so that steps can be taken to overcome them well in advance. At each vaccine centre, 25 health workers whose names were already enrolled in the Co-WIN platform were selected for the dry run process.

Following every procedure of the real vaccination process, the entry and exit ways were set up separately at these centres. SVIMS Director Dr B Vengamma was given the first dose of dummy vaccine after duly verifying her details in the Co-WIN software. Speaking on the occasion, Joint Collector (Development) V Veerabrahmam said the process was aimed at monitoring the software testing, workflow and other issues. Doctors from SVIMS and Ruia hospital were asked to present at the dry run for observation.

He added 145 centres were identified in the district for the vaccination drive which may commence shortly. Each day 100 people will be vaccinated at each centre. Vaccine main storage centre will be at Ruia hospital and from there it will be sent to each centre.

DM&HO Dr M Penchalaiah said at each session site (centre) five vaccination officers will be there at five stages. After the vaccine is administered, any abnormalities are found within 30 minutes, they will be given Adrenaline injection and if needed will be shifted to hospital in 108 vehicle where a team of doctors including Cardiologist, Neurologist and Pulmonologist among others to take care of them.

He said that about 32,000 health workers will be given the shot in the first phase followed by nearly one lakh frontline workers including police, revenue, sanitary staff. In the third phase, 7-8 lakh people above the age of 50 and having comorbidities like diabetes even below that age will be given priority.

SVIMS Director Dr Vengamma said this mock drill provided the orientation and to check the preparedness of all employees involved in the process. DCHS Dr P Saralamma, SVIMS and Ruia hospital superintendents Dr Ram and Dr T Bharathi were present.