In line with the nationwide launch of the largest vaccination campaign in the world against the COVID-19 pandemic, the first phase of the vaccination drive commenced for Health Care Workers (HCWs) of the Tri-Services Command on 19 Jan 21 at INHS Dhanvantari under the aegis of Headquarters, Andaman & Nicobar Command. All Front Line Workers (FLWs) of the Command will be vaccinated subsequently in a phased manner. A total of 370 doses of the vaccine for the first phase have been received from the Directorate of Health Services, Andaman & Nicobar Administration.  HCWs, nodal officers and vaccinators of various units of the Command have also been imparted training in the procedure of vaccination by the  A&N Administration and representatives of WHO at Port Blair. The vaccination drive was inaugurated by Lt Gen Manoj Pande, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman and Nicobar Command (CINCAN).

While addressing personnel at the ceremony, the CINCAN lauded the commendable efforts put in by the HCWs in managing the COVID-19 pandemic in the Islands. He said that the vaccination drive will not only ensure the availability of a ‘Fighting-Fit’ and ‘Operation-Ready’ Command but will also contribute to the global effort towards controlling and erasing the pandemic. He urged personnel not to believe in rumors surrounding the vaccine and trust the experts in the field. He also emphasized on the need to continue COVID-19 appropriate behaviors even after the vaccination.

Senior Health Officer and 36 HCWs were vaccinated as per protocol with all precautionary measures and COVID-19 appropriate norms being strictly adhered to. In the following few days, the remaining doses will be administered to other HCWs, including those in the outlying units in the Northern and Southern Group of Islands in a phased manner.

With the launch of the vaccine programme in the Command, the Armed Forces have joined the A&N Administration in the final phase of the fight against the pandemic.

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ABB/ Nampi/KA/Rajib