From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, May 9: Even though Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa symbolically launched on May 1 the Centre’s vaccination drive from the 18 to 44 age group people from the beginning of this month, Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr K Sudhakar has now announced that Covid 19 vaccines will be provided to citizens of 18-44 age group at all major government hospitals and medical colleges from Monday, May 10 morning.
Starting Monday, Covid-19 vaccination will be provided for citizens aged between 18 to 44 years at KC General Hospital, Jayanagar General Hospital, Sir C V Raman General Hospital, Government Medical Colleges, ESI Hospitals and NIMHANS in Bengaluru, the Minister said.
However, in the other districts vaccination will be initially provided only in the District Hospitals, Government Medical Colleges and all Taluk Hospitals.
The number of vaccination centres will be increased as and when more vaccines will become available, Minister said.
Dr Sudhakar said all Vaccination Centres providing vaccination for this age group of 18 to 44 will have an exclusive session site earmarked for them.
"Vaccination will be provided only to those who have registered and scheduled an appointment on CoWin portal," he said making it clear that walk-ins will not be allowed.
Reassuring the citizens about vaccination and appealing to young population, Dr Sudhakar said: "The Government is leaving no stone unturned to vaccinate each and every citizen at earliest and is making continuous efforts to secure supply of vaccines. I urge all citizens, especially my young friends, to wait for your turn and the government will ensure that you will surely get your jab."
Earlier on May 1, Yediyurappa had flagged off the 4th phase of drive to vaccinate citizens in 18-44 age group in Bengaluru to a select group of people symbolically.
"It is estimated that there are about 3.26 crore people in the state in this age group and it requires 6.52 crore doses to fully vaccinate with 2 doses. In order to fulfill this requirement, the State Government has already placed order for 2 crore doses of Covishield and 1 crore doses of Covaxin," the minister said.
The Serum Institute of India (SSI), which manufactures Covishield, has already supplied 6.5 lakh doses of vaccine. More consignments will be delivered by May second or third week, the minister added.