226 Beneficiaries Administered with Vaccine on Day 1

Port Blair, Jan 17: With the inaugural speech of Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi on 16th Jan 2021 at 10.30 am, the first phase of COVID-19 vaccination was launched in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands along with the rest of the country. The launch function at Port Blair was attended by Dr V Candavelou, Commissioner & Secretary (Health), Shri R.N Sharma, Secretary (H)/MD UTHM, Shri Suneel Anchipakka, DC, South Andaman District, Dr Omkar Singh, DHS, Dr A.K Mondal Director, ANIIMS and other officials of A&N Administration. The Director of Helath Services and Director of ANIIMS were also present during the launch.

The vaccination is being undertaken for the Health Care workers of South Andaman district in two places viz School of Nursing, GB pant Hospital, Port Blair and AYUSH Hospital, Port Blair. Both the sites were made live with the PMO and Ministry of Health, GoI for two way communications. 

The vaccination session was started at both places immediately after the inaugural speech of Hon’ble Prime Minister. Every session was supported by five Vaccinators, supporting staffs and security. Elaborate arrangements were made to tackle any untoward incident following vaccination by deputing specialized doctors with advanced life support instruments at the session sites.  

All the beneficiaries were informed through telephonic calls and the SMS for the vaccination through CoWIN Portal. It was also for the first time that eVIN portal was used for management of vaccination.

A total of 226 beneficiaries were vaccinated on the first day, 116 at School of Nursing and 110 beneficiaries at AYUSH hospital, Port Blair. The vaccination drive went smoothly and no adverse effect noticed in any of the beneficiaries who were administered the vaccine.

Vaccination will be continued for next few days till completion of the first phase. The second dose will be administered after 28 days of giving the first dose.