NEW DELHI: The entire country is looking forward to the announcement regarding the distribution of vaccines in the country on the new year, which will mark an end to the COVID period. As the central government prepares to start distributing the vaccine later this month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to make an important announcement in the early days of the new year.

An application submitted by Serum Institute, Bharat Biotech and Pfizer India seeking permission for immediate use of the vaccine is being considered by a panel of experts appointed by the central government today. The Drugs Controller of India has hinted that the PM himself might make a new year announcement soon.

A dry run will be held in all states tomorrow to assess the readiness of the vaccine distribution process. The dry run will take place at three selected centres in the state capitals. Detailed guidelines have been issued to the states in this regard. In Kerala and Maharashtra, where COVID cases are most prevalent, the dry run will be conducted in other major cities besides the capitals.

The first phase of the dry run was conducted on December 28 and 29 in two districts of four states - Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Gujarat and Punjab. The assessment of the Union Ministry of Health is that the dry run was successful. In the first phase, the vaccine will be given to 30 crore priority groups, including one crore health workers. About 96,000 people have been trained to give injections.

At tomorrow's dry run, each centre will have 25 health workers who will be vaccinated in the first phase. The operational feasibility of the entire process, including vaccine procurement, distribution, CO-WIN app operation, vaccination and emergency response, will be assessed in detail during the dry run.