Near-to-door vaccination more appropriate than door-to-door vaccination: Health Ministry tells Bombay High Court

As per the recommendation of the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC), the Union Health Ministry has informed the Bombay High Court that near-to-door vaccination would be a more viable method than door-to-door vaccination..The affidavit was filed in response to the High Court's direction to the Central government to examine the feasibility of door-to-door COVID-19 vaccination for elderly and disabled citizens..Bombay High Court orders NEGVAC to examine feasibility of door to door vaccination policy.NEGVAC held a meeting on May 25, 2021 under chairpersonship of Dr. VK Paul, member (health) NITI Aayog. All members present at the meeting unanimously agreed that the COVID-19 vaccination cannot be given at home due to the issues and risks cited by the Expert Committee constituted for examining the policy..However, since differently abled and elderly persons who are bedridden have limited mobility due to their physical condition, there is a need to increase access by bringing vaccination services closer to such community while maintaining all necessary precautions, it was agreed..The affidavit stated that post this meeting, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) formulated a Standard Operating Procedure for near-to-home Covid Vaccination centres, which was published on its website..Under this initiative, vaccination can take place in non-health facilities like community centres, Panchayat ghars, school buildings, old age homes, etc. These COVID vaccination centres (CVCs) will be set up for the benefit of those over the age of 60 and persons with mental and physical disabilities..The conclusion arrived at for the time being is to adopt the Near to Home Covid Vaccination Centre (NHCVC) strategy. The guidelines under the strategy are as follows:The overall planning, review and implementation will be the responsibility of the District and Urban Task ForceThe beneficiaries can either register themselves in advance, on-site or register following the facilitated registration process on CoWin.For management of any Adverse Event Following immunisation (AEFI) an advanced life support/ basic life support vehicle must be stationed at the centres.Support in terms of visit by a doctor on the next day is also provided for..MoHFW stated that the experts arrived at the decision after taking a holistic view of the ground realities and the prevailing situation. "Further this being a policy of the Union, the same has to be uniform it its nature and application," the affidavit stated. Having said so, the affidavit also assured that the situation on the ground is transformative and dynamic, appropriate changes will be made with the aid of the experts on the field..The affidavit was filed by MoHFW in a plea seeking directions to the Central and State governments, along with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to start door-to-door COVID-19 vaccination for citizens above 75 years of age and those who are specially abled or bed-ridden.