Covid-19 cases continue to spike day by day in Puducherry. One effective way to control the spread and prevent a third or future wave is to ensure a large population is vaccinated and build herd immunity.
UPDATE: EXTENDED TILL MAY 20 IN 31 PLACES . Vaccine registration for 18-44 expected to open on May 19
If you are above 45 or know someone who is yet to get vaccinated, make use of this walk-in opportunity and get vaccinated
When ? May 14-20 ; 8 30 am – 5 pm
Who ? Anyone who is 45 years of age or above is eligible for vaccination.
Where ? 50 centres including government hospitals, primary health centres in your neighbourhood and schools. See image below
IGMC is no longer a vaccination centre. Vaccination has been shifted to Indira Gandhi Government Arts & Science College in Kadirkamam. The existing vaccination centre is being used as a space for triage for positive patients
Which vaccine ? Covishield only. There is no Covaxin available in Pondicherry
If you have taken covaxin first dose in another state and want to take the second dose, the closest available are hospitals in Cuddalore. Check cowin portal.
Can I take second dose here ? Yes, if you have taken Covishield first dose, you can take the second dose in one of these centres.
New guidelines by the government state Covishield second dosage should be taken 12- 16 weeks after first dose to increase efficacy of vaccine. Studies from the UK where the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine originated (available in India as Covishield, manufactured by Serum Institute of India) have shown greater efficacy of the vaccine when second dose is administered after 3-4 months.
Based on the available real life evidence, particularly from the UK, the Covid-19 Working Group agreed for increasing the dosing interval to 12-16 weeks between two doses of Covishield vaccine.
This also allows the government to vaccinate more people in the country.
What should I carry ?
You have to present an ID proof along with your phone number. Any of these 7 ID cards are accepted.
- Aadhar Card
- Electoral Photo Identity Card (EPIC) – Voter ID
- Passport
- Driving License
- PAN Card
- NPR Smart Card
- Pension Document with photograph.
How is the vaccination done ?
One vial can be used to be give 5 doses. So the centres as part of the vaccination camp ensure that atleast 5 people are present in the premises so they can be vaccinated one after the other. You may have to wait a bit longer only if there are less than 5 persons around .
When will 18-44 age group be vaccinated ?
Vaccine doses that were sent from the Centre to Puducherry can be used only for health workers, frontline workers and for those above 45 years.
Only vaccine doses procured by the Puducherry government can be used to vaccinate those aged 18 to 44 .
On May 13, Puducherry procured 20,000 vials, according to a video statement by the Health Director, Puducherry . Vaccination is expected to commence after further orders.
How does the vaccine work ?
Your body develops antibodies to fight the virus 2-3 weeks after the second dose of the vaccine. Wearing a mask, social distancing and hand washing are essential after vaccination also.
Are there side -effects ?
People are usually monitored for 30 minutes after getting the vaccine to check for major reactions. Most people report fever, body ache etc for a day or two which subsides. Some centres hand out paracetamol anticipating these symptoms.
