COVID-19 vaccination at workplace: How to register, who is eligible? All your questions answered

To speed up the vaccination drive throughout the country, the Union Health Ministry has allowed vaccination sessions at both public and private workplaces. Such workplace vaccination centres may be launched across states and union territories from Sunday, the union health ministry announced on April 7.

With the announcement, there are several questions among people regarding the vaccination at their workplaces. Here is everything you need to know.

Can I get vaccinated at my workplace on April 11?

Yes, only if you are above 45 years of age. The government started the third phase of the vaccination drive on April 1 and everyone who is born before January 1, 1977, is eligible for the shot. The new notification released by the health ministry specifies that “employees of workplace aged above 45 years or more will be eligible for vaccination at the workplace”.

If I am eligible for the vaccination, can my relatives also get the jab at my workplace?

No, the government has mentioned that “no outsiders including eligible family members will be allowed for vaccination at Covid vaccination Centre (CVC) at the workplace."

How is the decision by the government beneficial?

According to the government, a major chunk of the population aged above 45-59 are working in the government and private sector. It will save up time for people who are in the eligible age bracket and will not have to travel all the way to vaccination centres.

On which date will the workplace vaccination drive kickstart?

It is likely to be launched across states/union territories from April 11. The centre has asked the states to discuss the essential requirements for the drive with the public and private sectors. 

Will my workplace surely have a vaccination centre?

Not necessarily. The vaccination will only be conducted at the offices where there are 100 willing and eligible beneficiaries. This is to ensure no-wastage of the vaccination. 

Can I trust the safety of this workplace vaccination drive?

Yes. In government offices, it will be linked to the nearest government hospital, while in private ones, it will be linked to the nearest private hospital. These hospitals will ensure that the entire process of the drive runs smoothly.

How will a workplace be identified?

A district task force chaired by the district magistrate and an urban task force chaired by the municipal commissioner will administer the process. Senior staff at the workplace will be selected as the nodal officer to coordinate with the respective authorities. His job will be to ensure the required infrastructure and proper registration of the beneficiaries. 

Where should I register for the jab?

Beneficiaries can register on the CoWIN platform. You can also register at the workplace, on the day of the drive.

Should my workplace be registered too?

Yes, it is mandatory for the eligible workplaces to be registered on the CoWIN platform. The full name of the organization should be mentioned and not abbreviated. The CVC is meant to have three parts: waiting, vaccination, and observation rooms. The centres should have proper infrastructure and not be set up inside a tent.