Paid  COVID-19 vaccination drive will be held at Kochi’s Infopark on July 2

On July 2, Progressive Techies, a Kerala-based group of IT professionals, in collaboration with the governing authority of Kochi’s Infopark, will undertake a COVID-19 vaccination drive on the Infopark premises. Though the sponsored vaccination effort is primarily directed at Infopark employees and their families, Progressive Techies executives noted that anyone working in companies surrounding Kakkanad in Ernakulam can also register and participate.

The vaccination drive is also supported by the Technopark Employees Co-operative Society and the Kochi Infrastructure Co-operative Society. Covishield, a vaccine that costs Rs 780, will be given out at Infopark’s “Athulya.” On July 2, the vaccination drive will begin at 9 a.m.

With over 50,000 people, Infopark in Kakkanad, Ernakulam district, is one of Kerala’s largest IT parks. “Right now, around 3,000 employees work solely from their workplaces. The remaining staff work from their homes. Though some businesses and employees benefit from working from home, the bulk of businesses and employees find it tough.We expect that more staff will be able to return to work after the immunisation drive,” said Anish Panthalani, President of the Progressive Techies.

The immunisation drive is primarily for Infopark employees and their families, but we will also accommodate others who work in the region, including those who do not work at Infopark, he added. Those interested in participating in the vaccination effort should call the Progressive Techies at 97 444 99661. The organisers also stated that there will be no on-the-spot registration. Until July 1, anyone can sign up for the immunisation push.

Progressive Techies is one of a few IT employee organisations in Kerala that works to improve the well-being of the state’s workers. Progressive Techies wrote to Kerala’s Chief Minister last year, emphasising the absence of adequate public transportation and access to the Infopark.