Port Blair, Jan 13: Andaman & Nicobar Islands has received its first batch of COVID-19 vaccine today. A total of 6500 doses of COVID-19 vaccine are being supplied by M/s Serum Institute of India to Andaman & Nicobar Islands for vaccination to prioritized beneficiaries in the initial phase of COVID-19 vaccination on 16th January 2021 (including Health Care Workers of State Government, Central Govt. and Armed Forces).

The vaccine reached Port Blair through Go Air flight from Kolkata today afternoon at 4.00 pm. The flight officials handed over the vaccine box to Dr. Tapash Ku Dakuya, SEP/ Consultant Immunization, NHM on behalf of State Immunization Officer. The vaccine was loaded in the insulated vaccine carrier and directly taken to the State Vaccine and Cold Chain Depot at GB Pant Hospital. Necessary temperature is being maintained. The vaccine will be given to Health Care Workers from 16th Jan 2021 onwards at Port Blair and then to other islands.