Mumbai civic body's nod for vaccination at private firms, housing societies

There is a shortage of vaccine and therefore private vaccination centres have been temporarily closed. There is no clarity as to when vaccination will resume, yet the municipal corporation has allowed vaccination at private companies and housing societies.

Mumbai:Allowing anti-Covid vaccination drives in private companies and housing societies, Mumbai Municipal Corporation has issued directives to its employees and residents of societies in this regard.

There is a shortage of vaccine and therefore private vaccination centres have been temporarily closed. There is no clarity as to when vaccination will resume, yet the municipal corporation has allowed vaccination at private companies and housing societies.

Private companies, housing societies in for vaccination

While dealing with the raging second wave of Covid -19, vaccination started in Maharashtra on January 16. Health employees and frontline workers were the first lot to receive the vaccine. From March 1 onwards senior citizens above 60 years of age and those above 45 years were allowed vaccination. From May 1, vaccination began for the age group between 18 and 44. Long queues were seen at the vaccination centres run by the municipal corporation. To reduce this crowd, the corporation has now permitted vaccination at private companies and housing societies. The companies and housing societies could tie up with private vaccination centres. The firms and societies will need to purchase the vaccine. Guidelines in this regard have been issued by the municipal corporation.

Nodal officers appointed

Vaccination can be done at private firms. The private vaccination centre and housing societies and private firms will together decide the cost of the vaccine. A nodal officer will be appointed for coordination. The nodal officer will supervise such vaccination drives and will be responsible for the registration of beneficiaries, vaccine stock and will ensure the provision of basic facilities to carry out the drive.

Registration on CoWIN mandatory

It will be mandatory for beneficiaries to register on CoWIN app or portal. The nodal officer will be responsible for online registration. For private firms, registration can be done at the vaccination centre. Only employees of the firm could register at such centres. The family members of employees too can register.

Housing societies, private firms to own responsibility of beneficiaries

Private vaccination centres can conduct vaccination at private firms or housing societies. These centres will provide the details about such private firms and housing societies to municipal corporation's medical officers. Private firms and housing societies will be responsible for the beneficiaries. All necessary facilities should be arranged at the place where vaccination is to be conducted.

Following facilities mandatory at vaccination centres:

• The cold storage facility should be available for stock of vaccine at the centre.
• Ample space is necessary at vaccination centres for waiting beneficiaries.
• Skilled manpower needed for vaccination.
• The centre should be prepared to handle medical emergencies resulting from vaccination.