The much-awaited Covid vaccination drive for the people in 18-44 age groups has commenced in Tripura on Thursday. There are 16 lakh people in this age groups.
NHM Tripura Mission Director has said total 1261 people have been administered the first shot in six centres on the first day one.
Education minister Ratanlal Nath said 5000 beneficiaries of priority group including journalists have been identified separately.
In some centres of the city, the beneficiaries took their first jabs of Covaxin amid huge enthusiasm. Even some youth were seen clicking selfies while taking the vaccine.
As per the announcement of the central government, the vaccination drive for this age group was supposed to begin form May 1 but the process was delayed following shortage in supply of doses.
Soon after 15,150 doses reached the state, the government decided to start vaccinating the people in 18-44 age groups.
According to official sources, vaccination drive of priority group as decided by the government would take place as following— rickshaw pullers and auto-rickshaw drivers at Battala market on 14th May and at RMS Chowmuhani on 15th May, for Division Officers and lawyers of High court on May 15, for TSECL employees at IMA house on May 17 and for FCI staff at IMA house on May 17.
The official sources also said that vaccination drive for general citizens in the 18-44 age group, who have already registered or would register, would be conducted in 15 centres daily between May 14 and May 16 as per their choice of dates and places.
Meanwhile, the next lot for the people in the 45-59 age group in West Tripura is expected to be held on May 16 next.
Notably, 18-44 age group and other priority groups received the Covaxin while, people of age above 45, got Covishield jab.
