The COVID-19 vaccination drive for people above 60 years and those aged 45 and above with comorbidities will begin on 1 March at 192 health facilities, including 136 private hospitals in the national capital, Delhi government officials said.

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The vaccines will be administered free of cost at government hospitals and health centres while Rs 250 will be charged for it at private health facilities, they said. "The vaccination drive will begin from 12 noon on 1 March. People aged 60 years or more as on January 1, 2022 and those with comorbidities who are in the age group of 45-59 years as on January 1, 2022 are eligible for vaccination," a senior government officer said.

Delhi government's Family Welfare directorate also tweeted, "Tomorrow Delhi will be entering the much-awaited phase of COVID vaccination for 60 plus population and those having comorbidities in the age group of 45-59 years at 192 Delhi Health Facilities out of which 136 are paid Private facilities and 56 are Free Govt facilities." Appointment for vaccination can be booked through the CO-WIN 2.0 portal. On the launch day on March 1, the online slots for booking would be available from 12 noon to 3 PM. The slots will be available for booking between 9 AM to 3 PM from Tuesday onwards, officials said.

A mobile number cannot be used for making more than four registrations, they said. People opting for vaccination at private hospitals will have to pay up to Rs 250 per dose, including Rs 100 service charge per dose, they said. As per official estimates, there are around 43 lakh people in the specified priority category of 60 years or above and those within 45-59 years with comorbidities in Delhi. People within the age group of 45-59 years with comorbidities will be required to produce a comorbidity certificate signed by a registered medical practitioner. Twenty comorbidities have been specified for the purpose of vaccination, officials said. People eligible for vaccination will also have to carry photo identity cards, including Aadhaar card and voter card.