This is how hundreds wait outside vaccination centres in Silchar. But a few prevailed ones bypass the pain and get the doses in a secret chamber by using the influence.

Beneficiaries above 45 years old can walk-in for COVAXIN second dose; "Will review for 18+" DC Cachar

By barakbulletin On May 24, 2021 - 3:29 pm

There is no need to book a slot for second dose of COVAXIN for those who are above 45 years old. National Health Mission, Cachar has taken the decision to allow doses to beneficiaries when they walk in to a centre. This will be subject to availability.

Responding to a query on social media, NHM Cachar stated, “For second dose of COVAXIN, online slot booking is not necessary. You can walk into any center.” However, it caused a lot of ambiguity as the person asking the question looked young and the age barrier was not mentioned anywhere.

Responding to a query, the district administration clarified that a walk-in second dose will be provided to only those who are 45-year-old and above and only for COVAXIN and not Covishield.

Sources in the administration said that the decision has been taken keeping in mind the problems workers are encountering while dealing with the Cowin interface. It is not a very simple or user-friendly interface to handle. Not only in Cachar, but healthcare workers are also finding it difficult all across the country. A report in Hindustan Times states, beyond May 18, the slots at the centers in Noida showed no availability because of a fault in the interface.

The BMC in Mumbai has also restarted walk-in vaccinations. “Those who are seeking their second dose of Covishield and have completed 84 days since their first dose, as well as those seeking their second dose of Covaxin, will also be allowed to walk in without registration and appointment,” the BMC was quote by Indian Express. There too it is being done for the 45+ age group.

In Cachar, 18+ started getting their jabs from May 8 and therefore, their second dose will start from June’s first week. “We will review by that time,” states DC Cachar, Keerthi Jalli when asked if walk-in will be allowed for the 18+ as well.

Meanwhile, engineers working on the Cowin interface which is controlled out of Delhi. If the functionalities are added and bugs are fixed, the registration might begin at the Cowin for the second dose. If not, the 18-45 are also likely to get their second dose on walk-in mode, depending on the availability.