Biggest immunization drive in the world against the deadly coronavirus is going to start from 16th January in India. In the beginning, the government has decided to vaccinate three crore of their frontline workers. Two vaccines have been shortlisted for the vaccination process now. One of them is Covaxin and another one is Covishield. Both the vaccines are expected to be administered in the priority groups. Total number of people infected in India so far is about 1 crore and 5.27 lakh. Among them 1.52 lakh people have not managed to survive after the coronavirus.

From 10:30 am on Saturday, vaccine process is scheduled to begin. On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is going to address the nation through a video conference also. For vaccination, 3,006 sites have been chosen already.

On each of these sites, 100 people are going to receive the shot. Few months may be taken to complete the first phase of the vaccination drive.

How the vaccination drive will be organized?

Population in India is about 130 crore. So, it is a huge task to vaccinate the entire pool of citizen. On the occasion, experience of conducting an election is going to be utilized. Therefore, Election Commission has been asked to reveal the data of recent Lok Sabha along with the Legislative Assembly Elections. In addition, priority groups are going to be identified separately also.

Initially, the exercise is applicable to the people above the age of 18 only. Each vaccination site is going to act similar to an electoral booth. Beneficiary list is expected to be made with three copies. Through Co-Win portal, beneficiary list is going to be uploaded also two days prior to the vaccination.

Process of vaccination is expected to happen between 9 am and 5 pm. People can come to the vaccination site till 5 pm. If they come within the scheduled time then they can be vaccinated pat 5pm also.

Will I get the vaccine free of cost?

In the first phase of vaccination for the priority group, vaccine is free. Government is going to pay for the vaccine

How the vaccines are being distributed?

Distribution strategy for the vaccine has been planned by the Centre. Geographical prioritization may be seen when it comes to the distribution of the vaccine. In case a place has a higher number of case loads then they may able to get more number of vaccines. Maharashtra and Kerala still have high number of daily cases. Therefore, they are likely to obtain more vaccines than other states.

States are going to take the responsibility to distribute the vaccine in the districts. Proportionate distribution of the vaccine may be important on the occasion as it is essential to make sure that the beneficiaries get two doses of vaccine from the same brand.

What to do after vaccination?

Following to the vaccination, data has to be uploaded on the Co-Win app in real time. Using the Aadhaar card, beneficiaries are going to be identified and also monitored. Digital certificate is going to be given also in order to remind them about the second dose. Post second dose, final certificate can be issued.