The third phase of the mass COVID-19 vaccination programme is underway. Over 65 lakh people aged 45 and above are eligible to receive jabs in this phase.   

The vaccination drive began on January 16, with over 3.6 lakh healthcare and frontline workers being inoculated against the virus. The second phase saw those aged above 60 and between 45-59 with comorbidities being given jabs. 

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“In the third phase, people aged 45 and above as of January 1, 2022 are eligible for vaccination, irrespective of their comorbidity status,” PTI quoted an official saying. 

While vaccination centres will operate from 9 am to 9 pm, only registered recipients will be given jabs till 3 pm. Unregistered people can get their vaccine shots between 3 pm and 9 pm, and need to carry their Aadhar card or any other identity proof. 

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The third phase of the vaccination drive will cover 192 health facilities in the national capital, including 136 private hospitals. Vaccines will be given free of cost at government hospitals, while private health facilities will charge up to Rs 250 per shot. 

“We have enough vaccines available. The number of eligible beneficiaries is quite large. We will make efforts to complete the inoculation as soon as possible,” Delhi Health Minister Satyender Jain said. 

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ASHA and Anganwadi workers have been trained for the drive, and they will also visit areas in their districts to encourage people to take jabs.