All vaccines in state genuine: Health official

TURA, Aug 26: After allegations of fake vaccines in Meghalaya was reported in a section of the media, the Health department has refuted its presence in the state stating that it has a stringent and strict protocol for transferring vaccines using the cold chain system.
According to Ramkumar S, Mission Director of the National Health Mission, all vaccines including COVID-19 vaccines are procured either from the authorised vaccine stores or directly from the manufacturers and they are brought to the state vaccine store accompanied by designated and authorised personnel. These are then distributed to the cold chain points and eventually to session sites in all the districts. These are simultaneously tracked by the eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) system which can monitor these vaccines in real time. The system gives up-to-date information on the unique batch number and their usage status, the clarification added.
“We assure the people that all vaccines available in Meghalaya are genuine and effective and they should not have any doubts or apprehension. It is advised that the people take the vaccine at any government COVID vaccination centre or designate private hospitals,” the clarification said.
Citizens were also advised to log in to www.cowin.gov.in to find out about the session sites near them or walk in to any public health facility and get vaccinated for free. The clarification also cautioned the people not to engage in such rumours and fake news.