<span style="color: #222222;">The Andaman and Nicobar Islands are all set to join the country-wide launch of COVID-19 vaccination drive tomorrow. The drive would be initiated at G.B. Pant Hospital in Port Blair connected live from Delhi through video conferencing by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The Commissioner-cum-Health Secretary Dr. V. Candavelu informed that in the First Phase, the Covishield will be given at two centres including G.B. Pant Hospital and Ayush Hospital to 240 health workers overall on day one. Afterwards, the vaccination drive will be carried on as per the protocols. Soon the vaccine will be delivered to Block Centres in Rangat, Mayabunder, Diglipur, Nancowry, Car Nicobar, Hut bay and Campbell Bay. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">He further added that the second dose will be given after 28 days of the first dose. Till then, all precautionary measures should be followed. He appealed not to fall into any hoax regarding the vaccination. The Covishield is a very safe vaccine. The individual will be observed at site for half an hour after inoculation of the vaccine. </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">It is to mention that a total of 4,687 health care workers are to be provided with Covishield in the First Phase. This includes Asha and Aaganwadi workers along with ICMR functionaries and defence health care personnel as well. After this, the vaccine will be provided to more than 6,000 frontline workers. The data collection of beneficiaries for the Second Phase, persons above 50 years of age or persons with comorbidities is being done.</span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;"> </span><br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Meanwhile, the first quota of Covishield vaccine consisting of 6,500 doses had reached Port Blair by plane on 13th of January.</span><br />''