Vaccine on priority for students going abroad, Bengaluru drive from today

BENGALURU: In a major relief for students who are headed for foreign universities, the National Health Mission on Monday included them in the revised priority list for vaccination. The drive will be launched at 3pm on Tuesday at the administrative block of Bengaluru City University.
The other groups who will be vaccinated on priority are those going abroad for jobs, workers of milk cooperative societies and cable operators.
“There was a demand from these sections to facilitate vaccination on priority.
Those who wish to get inoculated should possess visas, admission receipts or any such relevant documents with them. Certificates confirming the completion of the vaccination will be issued on the spot,” said deputy chief minister and state Covid ministerial task force chief CN Ashwath Narayana.
Eligible beneficiaries can walk in for vaccination, the deputy CM’s office said, adding that the drive for students will continue at BCU.
Among these groups, those who have received a first dose of Covishield will be allowed to take the second shot even if they have not completed the mandated time gap of six weeks.
The chief commissioner of Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) and deputy commissioners have been asked to issue eligibility certificates to students and those going abroad for jobs based on verification of documents, Narayana said.
TOI had reported that students have been scrambling for vaccine slots on the Co-Win portal, fearing that their universities and destinations would seek vaccine certificates for entry. Most foreign universities start classes in August-September. Given the required time gap between two Covishield doses, students have to take the first shot now so that they can complete two doses in time.
“This will come as a huge advantage for students looking to travel. For many of us, it was a stressful time even though universities had not made it clear whether it’s mandatory,” said Sai Sunayana, who has received an offer from a university in UK. “Our final-year exam from VTU needs to be completed in time so that we can pursue the post-graduation. I hope the university arranges for that too.”