Inoculation Phase 2: Tamil Nadu won't disclose type of Covid-19 vaccine used, as per guidelines

As the second phase of Covid-19 vaccination kicks off in Tamil Nadu, beneficiaries will not be told which Covid-19 vaccine they are receiving, according to the state government's guidelines, The News Minute reported.

Director of Public Health Selvavinayagam told the publication that the guidelines were in accordance with a policy decision from the Union government, and the vaccine used — Covaxin or Covishield — will not be known to beneficiaries.

"The guidelines say that you’ll not know from which company it’s coming; it will be just a Covid-19 vaccine. It will not be revealed since till now we just say that it is a polio or hepatitis vaccine and no one knows the company. It is a government of India policy," he said.

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Tamil Nadu will begin the second phase of Covid vaccinations from March 1 for people above 60 and above 45 with comorbidities.

The guidelines further state that:

1. There will be only one live appointment for a beneficiary at any point of time for each dose.

2. Vaccine type will not be disclosed at the time of appointment.

3. The Co-WIN portal will provide the facility for booking an appointment based on the Vaccination Centers declared by the states/UTs. It will also have their location, the dates on which appointment slots are provided and the vacancies available at the Centre while booking.

4. The second dose of the vaccine will be scheduled on the 29th day from the date of appointment of the first dose.

5. Beneficiaries can change the slot for the second dose for a date between the 29th day and 42nd day from the first dose. This can be done only if the first dose has already been administered and only for centres where the vaccine type available is the same as the first dose.

6. Special reserved second dose slots will be kept for beneficiaries who are not able to avail vaccination for 2nd dose in the period of 29th day to 42nd day of administration of the first dose.

7. If a beneficiary cancels a 1st dose appointment, then the appointment of both doses will be cancelled.

8. The second dose appointment cannot be cancelled.