Dry run for Covid-19 immunisation drive in 4 states next week

It will also include testing of cold storage and transportation arrangements for Covid-19 vaccine

Ahead of the nation-wide Covid-19 vaccination drive, the Centre will conduct a dry-run across four states to test the readiness of the systems put in place for the elaborate exercise.

The mock-drill, to be conducted on Monday and Tuesday in Punjab, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Gujarat, would entail testing of cold-storage and transport arrangements, data-entry in the Co-WIN software developed exclusively for vaccine delivery, testing receipt and allocation, deployment of team members.

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Each state will plan the dry run in two districts and preferably in five different session-type settings – district hospital, community health centre (CHC) or primary health care centre (PHC), urban site, private health facility, and rural outreach.

This will also provide hands-on experience to programme managers at various levels.

An important focus of the dry run will be on the management of any possible adverse events following immunisation (AEFI) as well as on adherence and management of infection control practices at the session site to prevent disease transmission.

The mock drill will include concurrent monitoring and review at block and district levels, and preparation of feedback to be shared with the state and the Centre.

A detailed checklist has been prepared by the Union Health Ministry and shared with the four states to guide them in the dry run.

“As the vaccine administrators will play an important role in the immunisation process, training of trainers and those who shall administer the vaccine has been taken up across various states,” the health ministry said.

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As many as 2,360 participants were trained during a national-level training of trainers, which comprised state immunisation officers, cold chain officers, information, education and communication officials, and development partners.

As of date, state-level training has been completed at all states and Union Territories with the participation of more than 7,000 district-level trainees, except Lakshadweep which will be conducted on December 29.