Bhubaneswar: The Odisha health department on Tuesday directed all district Collectors to utilise the COVID-19 vaccines supplied by the Centre for existing prioritised beneficiaries.

In a letter, additional chief secretary (health) Pradipta Mohapatra said the Union health ministry has communicated that the Centre will supply vaccines for existing prioritised beneficiaries such as HCWs, FLWs and person aged 45 years and above only for the phase-3 vaccination.

He said people in the age group of 18 to 44 years will be vaccinated with vaccines supplied by the State government, private hospitals and hospitals of industrial establishments out of other than Government of India channel vaccine.

“The Govt. of India vaccine supply earmarked for existing prioritised beneficiaries i.e. HCWs. FLWs and Person aged 45 years & above should not be used for vaccination 18 to 44 years group of people,” he said.

The officials have been asked to instruct all the medical officers, programme managers, cold chain handlers and vaccinators immediately.