Nagaland commences preparation for Covid-19 vaccination

Dimapur, Dec. 7 (EMN): The Nagaland government has initiated preparations for introduction of Covid-19 vaccine in the state with the formation of a national expert group on vaccine administration for Covid-19 (NEGVAC). With multiple vaccines candidates in various stages of development, it is anticipated that the vaccine will first prioritise healthcare workers followed by other frontline workers and age groups.

According to a DIPR update, the government of Nagaland has constituted the following committees in order to establish a coordination mechanism at state and district level for administration of Covid-19 vaccine.

It said that the State Steering Committee would meet at least once in a month. Additional meeting may be held if required.

1. Preparatory phase

i) Ensure active engagement of other line departments for various activities related to Covid-19 vaccine introduction as and when the vaccine is made available.

ii) Oversight on creation of database of healthcare workers (HCWs) on Covid-19 vaccination beneficiary management system (CVBMS) who will be prioritised for vaccination in the first phase.

iii) Review of state’s preparatory activities in terms of cold chain preparedness, operational planning, communication planning, strategies for anticipated state specific challenges in terms of geographical terrain, network connectivity, hard to reach areas etc.

iv) Mobilise human/other resources and coordinate planning and other activities with other departments. HR with expertise in medical/health may be utilised for vaccination while other HR may be used for operational support, IEC, resource mobilisation, community mobilisation etc.

v) Financial planning for Covid-19 vaccine introduction amongst HCWs followed by other priority socio- demographic groups.

vi) Explore utilisation of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) for financing various activities related to Covid-19 vaccine introduction.

vii) Devising plan for utilisation of Common Service Centres and other public infrastructure as per need.

vii) Review and ensure that regular meetings of State Task Force (STF) and District Task Force (DTF) are held.

2. Implementation phase (upon availability of vaccine):

i) Oversight on overall micro-planning and other operational aspects of Covid-19 vaccine introduction.

ii) Ensure active involvement of all concerned department and stakeholders as per their pre-defined roles in the process of Covid-19 vaccine introduction.

iii) Ensure early tracking of social media and other platforms for possible misinformation and rumors around Covid-19 vaccine that could impact the community acceptance for Covid-19 vaccine.

iv) Devise innovative strategies for improving community engagement ‘Jon Bhagidaari’ for improved coverage of Covid-19 vaccine.

v) Regular review of coverage of Covid-19 vaccine and guidance to STF for corrective actions.

vi) Institute reward/recognition mechanism for achievement of best performing district/block/urban ward etc.

It further stated that the state task force would meet at least once every fortnight. Additional meeting may be held as per need.

1. Preparatory phase:

i) Regularly monitor the progress of database of beneficiaries on Covid-19 vaccination beneficiary management system (CVBMS).

ii) Provide guidance, including funding and operational guidelines, and fix timelines for districts to plan and implement Covid-19 vaccine introduction as and when vaccine is made available.

iii) Involve other relevant departments including ICDS, PRI and key immunisation partners such as UN, Unicef, WHO, Rotary International, Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child Health and Adolescent Health (RMNCH+A) lead partners and other organisations at state level, CSOs, including professional bodies such as IMA should also be involved.

iv) Review cold chain preparedness across the state for possible introduction of Covid-19 vaccine and guide strengthening measures for the same in view of increased cold chain space requirement.

v) Identify vaccinators across government and private sectors so as to minimise disruption of routine immunisation services while introducing Covid-19 vaccine.

vi) Planning and mapping of vaccination sessions where HCWs will be vaccinated during the first phase of Covid-19 vaccine roll-out.

vii) Mapping human resources across departments that could be deployed for vaccination sessions for verification of beneficiaries, crowd management and overall coordination at session site.

viii )Communicate with district magistrates (DM) for conducting meetings of district task force.

2. Implementation phase (upon availability of vaccine):

i) Track districts for adherence to timelines for overall implementation of Covid-19 vaccine introduction as per the guidelines approved by NEGVAC and communicated from national level.

ii) Deploy senior state-level health officials to each district identified for monitoring and ensuring accountability framework. They should visit these districts and oversee the activities for the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccine, including participation in DTF meetings and assessment of district preparedness.

iii) Develop a media plan to address rumour mongering as well as vaccine eagerness. Ensure adequate number of IEC materials (as per prototypes) are printed and disseminated to districts in time.

iv) Involve youth organisations like NCC/NYKS/NSS for social mobilisation of identified group of beneficiaries to be prioritised from time to time. On similar lines, ensure involvement of self-help groups.

v) Regular review with districts and urban local bodies to review and resolve issues related to microplanning, vaccines and logistics, human resources availability, training, waste management, AEFI and IEC/BCC.

vi) Review and need based approval of additional fund requirement.

It said that the state task force would meet weekly.

1. Preparatory phase:

i) Monitor progress of database of beneficiaries on Covid-19 vaccination beneficiary management system (CVBMS).

ii) Ensure training of ail concerned HR on Covid-19 Vaccination Beneficiary Management system (CVBMS).

iii) Monitor progress on key activities such as microplanning, communication planning, cold chain and vaccine logistics planning. Accountability to be fixed for each activity at all levels.

iv) Planning and mapping of vaccination sessions where HCWs will be vaccinated during the first phase of Covid-19 vaccine roll-out.

v) Involve other relevant departments including ICDS/PRI and key immunization partners such as UNDP, Unicef, WHO, Rotary International, RMNCH+A lead partners and other organizations at district levels, CSOs, including professional bodies such as IMA should be involved. Involve the local and religious leaders.

vi) Identify vaccinators across government and private sectors so as to minimise disruption of routine immunisation services while introducing Covid-19 vaccine.

vi) Mapping human resources across departments that could be deployed for vaccination sessions for verification of beneficiaries, crowd management and overall coordination at session site.

2. Implementation phase (upon availability of vaccine):

i) Monitor the roll-out of Covid-19 vaccine in the district for progress made and resolving bottle-necks.

ii) Requisition of required human resource and infrastructure including vehicles if needed from other departments for implementation and monitoring.

iii) Ensure minimal disruption of other routine health services during rollout of Covid-19 vaccine.

iv) Ensure identification and accountability of senior officers in the blocks and the urban cities. They should visit these blocks and provide oversight to activities for rollout of Covid-19 vaccine, including participation in training, monitoring etc.

v) Robust communication planning at all levels to address rumor mongering as well as vaccine eagerness. Ensure adequate number of printed IEC materials (as per prototypes) are printed and disseminated to blocks/planning units in time. Ensure that these materials are discussed and used in the sensitisation workshops.

vi) Track blocks and urban areas for adherence to timelines for various activities required for introduction of Covid-19 vaccine.

vii) Ensure timely disbursal of funds at all levels.

viii) Share key qualitative and quantitative feedback at state level for review.