COVID-19: Odisha to Inoculate Vulnerable Group Without I-Cards

Bhubaneswar: After covering all age-groups under the COVID-19 vaccination programme, Odisha government has decided to inoculate vulnerable people without identity proof.

Additional Chief Secretary to the Government, PK Mohapatra, has written to all collectors and Commissioners of municipal corporations in this regard.

Mohapatra stated in the letter that a beneficiary must register in COWIN portal by giving an identity proof but some vulnerable groups of citizens do not possess any of the seven prescribed identity cards. Such vulnerable persons may not be denied COVID-19 vaccination, he said.

As these beneficiaries are also at risk of exposure to COVID-19 infection there is a need to provide special consideration for COVID-19 vaccination to the vulnerable section too, Mohapatra stated in the letter.

The vulnerable groups include nomads (including sadhu/saints from various religions)

Prison inmates

Inmates in mental health institutions

Residents of old age homes

Roadside beggars

People residing in rehabilitation centers/camps

Any other identified eligible persons aged 18 years or more

“The COWIN portal will provide the facility for creation of special vaccination sessions for this purpose,” Mohapatra mentioned in the letter.

He also asked the Municipal Corporations to make appropriate preparation including site and identification and listing of such persons to be vaccinated.

“You are requested to expedite the process for timely vaccination of vulnerable group of people on priority in your District/Corporation,” Mohapatra said.