Vaccination for those aged over 50 and with comorbidities in Mar-apr

CURRENTLY, THE BMC IS CARRYING OUT PHASE 1 OF VACCINATION FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS

MUMBAI: If all goes as per plan, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) aims to start phase 3 of vaccination for general public above 50 years of age and those with comorbidities by March or April, and phase 2 for frontline workers by mid-february. While the civic officials said general public may have to pay for the vaccine, there is no decision on the cost.

Speaking at the Social Sanchar event organised by V-citizens Action Network (VCAN), Suresh Kakani, additional municipal commissioner of

BMC, said, “We aim to complete the first phase by February 14. Post this, we aim to kick off the second phase, which will cover police, solid waste management workers and Mumbai Fire Brigade. By March or April, we aim to kick off the third phase in which the general public will be vaccinated. This will include those above the age of 50 and those who have comorbidities. This too will depend on the deliveries. We can augment our daily vaccination capacity to 50,000. For the third phase, our capacity needs to increase further…we are in touch with the chiefs of several private hospitals, and in the coming days, we plan to complete the shortlisting process.”

Meanwhile, the civic body on Friday completed its ninth day of immunisation at 12 centres, with the addition of NESCO Covid jumbo facility in Goregaon. Friday’s vaccination drive saw a turnout of 72%, as 5,510 healthcare workers of the expected 7,697 got vaccinated.