In a move that will help the senior citizens and the specially abled persons, the Gurgaon Health Department will be setting up drive-in Covid-19 vaccination centres at parking lots of shopping malls.  This facility will be provided through a tie-up with an automated smart parking solutions provider.

According to the officials of the Gurgaon Health Department, they have tied up with Park+ for this purpose, and will be holding the first such session on Friday at DLF City Centre Mall on MG Road.

Talking about it to the Indian Express, Dr. Virender Yadav, a Civil Surgeon said: “The session will be meant only for those above the age of 45 who have taken the first dose of Covishield and need to take their second dose. They do not need to book slots; registration will be on the spot.”

Only 200 doses will be administered during the drive, said officials.

“The drive in will begin operations from 10 a.m., and a total of 200 doses will be administered on a first come, first served basis,” said Yadav.

The Department officials were quoted as stating that depending on the success of this first drive-in vaccination session for Gurgaon, such drive-in vaccination centres will be set up in other areas of the district.

Explaining the utility of this facility, Yadav remarked: “The initiative is absolutely the need of the hour in a city where testing and vaccination are happening at a huge pace and scale. Such solutions will help individuals get vaccinated and tested from the safety of their vehicles, while drastically reducing the crowding and burden within hospital buildings.”

After the people have been vaccinated in their cars they will have to wait in the parking lot for 30 minutes under the observation period. In a situation when anyone faces any problem, they have to flash their car lights thus alerting the team who will address those who have any side effect.

Yadav informed that lift lobby in the building will be used as an Adverse Event Following Immunisation (AEFI) room for people who require medical assistance.