Abstract
CONTEXT: Efficient roll out of COVID-19 vaccines requires high-quality preparedness at all levels and robust planning and training regarding COVID-19 vaccination, use of CoWIN software, post-vaccination care and communication for all health functionaries. AIMS: The current study attempts to fill the research gap in monitoring of COVID-19 vaccination session sites in tribal areas of UT of Dadra and Nagar Haveli (DNH) during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS AND MATERIAL: It was a cross sectional observational study conducted from April to May 2021 at 36 purposively selected COVID-9 vaccination session sites. Sites were monitored independently for assessing various parameters like infrastructure, HR status, vaccine, logistics availability, and AEFI management using the WHO Session Site Monitoring Form for COVID-19 Vaccination. RESULTS: Out of 36 session sites observed, three separate designated rooms were available at 21 (58.3%) sites. Almost two-third of the session sites (61.1%) had displayed information, education, communication (IEC) materials. Mean number of team members was 5.1 (SD 1.7). Adequate stock of vaccine vials and AD syringes, AEFI kits or anaphylaxis kits were available and biomedical waste segregation was as per guidelines at all the session sites. CONCLUSIONS: Logistics availability, safe injection practices, and COVID-appropriate behavior were adequate; however, infrastructure and post-vaccination care needs strengthening for successful rollout of COVID-19 vaccination.