BREAKING: First batch of COVID-19 vaccines arrives in Guwahati

GUWAHATI: A consignment carrying the COVISHIELD vaccine has finally arrived in Guwahati today morning.

According to sources, the transportation process for the vaccine began on Monday from Pune after Serum Institute of India (SII) received its first order for 11 million doses at rupees 200 per dose.

SpiceJet carried the first batch of vaccines today for the state. Assam is the second state to receive the vaccine. The first set was sent to the national capital from Pune.

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Around six refrigerated trucks carrying the vaccine left the institute in the wee hours of today for dispatch across the country.

The vaccine arrived the city ahead of the nationwide COVID-19 vaccine rollout to be held from January 16.

The Union Health Ministry on Saturday announced that India’s massive vaccination drive against the coronavirus will begin on January 16 after the harvest festivals such as Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal and Magh Bihu.

Sources reported that the priority will be given to frontline healthcare workers, which is estimated to be around three crore people. This will be followed by those above 50 years of age, and the under-50 population groups with co-morbidities. An estimated 27 crore people fall under the second category.

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