NEW DELHI: With an eye on ramping up the nationwide vaccination drive, the Centre on Wednesday said it will allow inoculations at private and public workplaces with about 100 eligible beneficiaries starting April 11.
In a letter to states, Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said that the decision is being taken to increase access to vaccines since a significant proportion of people aged 45 years and above is in the organized sector and involved in formal occupation or manufacturing and services.
“In order to increase the access of vaccine to these populations, Covid-19 vaccination sessions may be organised at work places (both public & private) which are having about 100 eligible and willing beneficiaries by tagging these work places with an existing Covid vaccination centre,” Bhushan said in the letter.
In a letter to states, Union health secretary Rajesh Bhushan said that the decision is being taken to increase access to vaccines since a significant proportion of people aged 45 years and above is in the organized sector and involved in formal occupation or manufacturing and services.
“In order to increase the access of vaccine to these populations, Covid-19 vaccination sessions may be organised at work places (both public & private) which are having about 100 eligible and willing beneficiaries by tagging these work places with an existing Covid vaccination centre,” Bhushan said in the letter.
He said the states can initiate due consultations with private/public sector employers and management to prepare for launch of work place vaccination.
He also listed a set of guidelines prepared by the Centre to support the states.
The Centre’s decision comes at a time when the government is looking to encourage people in the eligible age groups to get vaccination against Covid amid a significant surge in new infections.
On Tuesday, the Centre directed all government employees above the age of 45 to get vaccinated.
India on Wednesday reported over 1.15 lakh new Covid cases, its highest single-day surge since the outbreak.