Mass vaccination drive to inoculate 34 lakh people with 2nd dose underway

The mass vaccination drive to inoculate around 34 lakh people with the second dose of Covid-19 vaccine has started this morning across the country.

The drive is underway up to union level in rural areas and ward level in urban areas, Dr Shamsul Haque, member secretary of the Covid-19 Vaccine Management Taskforce Committee of the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), told The Daily Star today.

The drive will continue from 9:00am to 3:00pm every day.

People stand in a queue at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on September 7, 2021. Photo Rashed Shumon

The mass vaccination campaign will be held from September 7 to 12.

Earlier, from August 7 to 12, 34 lakh people (aged 25 and above), received their first doses through on the spot registration at around 6,000 centres set up around the country under the special vaccination campaign.

Those who received their first dose will have to go to the same centres on the corresponding dates to receive their second shots, according to the health officials.

Dr Shamsul said people aged 50 and above, women, people with disabilities and people living in remote areas will get priority during this special campaign.