Meghalaya constitutes task force for COVID-19 vaccine

Besides, the task force, the state government has also constituted the State Steering Committee for the purpose.

Commissioner and Secretary Health & Family Welfare, Sampath Kumar said that the task force will regularly monitor the progress of database of beneficiaries on COVID-19 Vaccination Beneficiary Management system (CVBMS).

He said the task force will review cold chain preparedness across the state for the possible introduction of COVID-19 vaccine and guide strengthening measures for the same in view of increased cold chain space requirement.

"The task force will also provide guidance, including funding and operational guidelines, and fix timelines for districts to plan and implement COVID- 19 vaccine introduction as and when the vaccine is made available," Kumar said.

Other relevant departments including ICDS, PRI and key immunization partners such as UNDP, UNICEF, WHO, Rotary International, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) lead partners and other organizations at the state level will also be involved in the preparatory stage.

Kumar said that the task force will also identify vaccinators across government and private sectors to minimize disruption of Routine Immunization services while introducing COVID-19 vaccine besides planning and mapping of vaccination sessions where HC'Ws will be vaccinated during the 1st phase of COVID-19 vaccine roll-out.