Captain Amarinder Singh to take first shot of COVID-19 vaccine in Punjab

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh will take the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine in the state after it is cleared by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

After Amrinder Singh, 1.25 lakh health workers will also receive the vaccine.

The CM made this announcement at a virtual Cabinet meeting, convened to discuss the COVID-19 situation in Punjab and the state’s preparedness to roll out the vaccine, it said.

Also Read: Haryana: Health minister Anil Vij given first trial dose of Covaxin

In line with the Centre’s strategy for vaccination, Punjab has prioritised healthcare workers, frontline workers, the elderly population and people with comorbidities, it was decided in the meeting.

According to Punjab Health Secretary Hussan Lal, the state has compiled data of 1.25 lakh government and private healthcare workers to be vaccinated in the first phase.

About 23% of the state’s population will be vaccinated as per the Government of India guidelines on vaccine prioritisation, Lal said.

To ensure the seamless roll-out of the vaccination, the State Steering Committee is coordinating closely with the National Steering Committee, while the State Task Force will work in tandem with the district and block level task force committees for the same.

Following a review of the available facilities, the state has requested the Centre for certain additional cold chain equipment, including vaccine vans, deep freezers, ice-lined refrigerators, cold boxes, vaccine carriers, ice packs, thermometers and stabilisers, the release said.