Getting an appointment for a COVID-19 jab on the Cowin application has been a real challenge. The slots on the Cowin application disappear as soon as they become available. Many are struggling to get even the second dose of the vaccine while India heavily runs out of stock. After all, it is not easy to inoculate a country with such a huge population. And now, famous star hotels in a few metro cities have been collaborating with private hospitals to offer vaccine packages. Bringing the issue to notice, the Union health ministry warned that legal and administrative action will be taken against hotels and private hospitals that sell vaccine packages.
The Centre Stated That Hotels Offering Vaccine Packages Will Face Legal Action
A social media post about a private hospital in Hyderabad’s Hitec city went viral. Upon noticing the same, several political leaders pointed out the situation prevalent in the country. The Union health ministry immediately clarified that distribution of vaccines in star hotels is strictly illegal. The Centre further states that legal action will be taken against hotels that tie up with private hospitals to sell vaccines.
As of now, India only permits four avenues for vaccination:
Government Covid vaccination centres
Private centres run by private hospitals
Workplace Covid vaccination centres run by either government or private hospitals
Special centres at housing societies, community centres, panchayat bhawans, schools/colleges, and old age homes
The letter further stated that vaccination must not be conducted in any other venues and star hotels offering vaccine packages must stop doing the same immediately.
However, with all the vaccine scarcity, many rich Indians have been flying to other countries to get vaccinated. Here’s what you need to know about flying outside India to get vaccinated.
Is It Legal To Travel To Another Country To Get A Vaccine?
A tourism company also announced a 24-day vaccine tourism package to Russia for ₹1.3L. All the slots of this offer filled as soon as it gained traction on social media. It could well have been a marketing gimmick by the agency but given the buzz, vaccine tourism seems to take off in India. But can travelling to another country to get a vaccine legal? Here’s what you need to know.
There is no law that says travelling to another country to get vaccinated is a crime. But in case you are opting for the vaccine tourism packages, think twice. The government has no official arrangements in place to ensure that those opting for such packages get the offers they are promised. In fact, even the Russian government did not give a nod to any such vaccine tourism package. All of this could be a scam as well so take it up at your own risk.
Also read: This Is The Strangest Place In The World To Get A COVID-19 Vaccine
Are All Countries Accepting Tourists For Vaccination?
Many rich Canadians, Brazilians, and Venezuelans flew to the US state of Florida only to find overwhelmed vaccination centres. The state later passed an order making it mandatory for vaccine seekers to produce residential proof. But contrary to this, New York recently announced a plan to use vaccine tourism as a way to increase footfalls in the city. If you’re a tourist in the USA, you can now get vaccinated at Times Square, the High Line and other popular spots in New York City. The New York City mayor, Bill de Blasio revealed on Twitter that mobile vaccination sites will be set up at iconic NYC spots to provide Johnson & Johnson jabs to anyone who needs it, including tourists.
Also read: Fully Vaccinated Against COVID-19? Europe Is All Set To Welcome You For A Holiday
However, vaccine tourism as a way to boost the economy has been around for a while. A few weeks back, the Maldives announced that it would offer jab to all the visiting tourists. A shot combined with a holiday package encourages vaccine seekers to book flights, relax at resorts, eat and shop. And if tourists decide to stay for both the shots, it only translates to more money into the economy.
Can You Travel To Neighbouring State Or City In India For Vaccine?
The answer is yes. People in Mumbai have already been driving to rural areas to get the vaccine. As of now, no rule in India prohibits anyone above 18 from getting vaccinated in any part of the country. You need to simply book an appointment on Cowin application and carry your identification proof. Indian citizens aged 45 and above are also allowed to walk into vaccination centres without registration.
Also read: Indian Consulate Warns Expats Against Rumours On Vaccination For People On Visit Visa
Vaccine tourism has emerged as a trend in countries where vaccines are in short supply. There are only a few countries like the US, Russia, France, Slovakia, Kazakhstan, Poland, Zimbabwe, and Iceland that are ready to vaccinate citizens from other countries.