India�s second dry run for COVID vaccine � 5 things to know

08-01-2020

The entire country is prepping for the second dry run of the COVID-19 vaccine. The first dry run of the vaccine was held on January 2. The second dry run will start on Friday. During the process, the healthcare workers will be administered a dummy vaccine. Dry runs are being conducted across the country to ensure that the health sector is well-prepared for the actual vaccine. Sites have been identified for the process and logistics have been cleared out to prevent last-minute problems.

Here are 5 things you should know
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1. The COVID-19 vaccine dry run - Some of the health workers will get dummy vaccines and the same will be administered to them. The dry run will reveal India's preparedness for the actual exercise along with the operational feasibility of Co-WIN application.

2. Co-WIN App - The Co-WIN App is a digital platform that will help the government in the distribution and rollout of the vaccine. This version of the app has been upgraded from eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network). It will be available for download soon.

3. DNA vaccine candidate apart from Covishield and Covaxin - A DNA vaccine candidate being developed by Zydus Cadila and Biological E's mRNA vaccine also work at a storage temperature of 2-8 degree Celsius. All COVID-19 vaccines manufactured in India can be stored at 2-8 degree Celsius.

4. Transportation of vaccine - As per sources, the transportation of COVID-19 vaccines will begin in a day or two and 41 destinations have been finalised for the same. The vaccines will be transported in passenger aircraft. Sources say that Pune will be the hub of vaccine distribution.

5. Stop Misinformation - Health Minister Dr Harsh Vardhan urged citizens to stop any misinformation through social media. He added that the centre has provided all the relevant data about the vaccine and any other information should not be circulated.