Hinting at shortage of Covid-19  Vaccines for the 18-44 age group in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said the state has only 20,000-25,000 doses left as of now for the younger population.

 Visiting the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) here, Sarma also said the state aims to inoculate around 30 per cent of its entire population by August 15 provided it receives the required doses.

 "There is no vaccine for the 18-44 age group at this moment and only 20,000-25,000 doses are left. I spoke to the two companies (who supply vaccines) yesterday and they promised to send seven lakh vaccines for this group in June," he told reporters here.

 Covishield and Covaxin, manufactured by Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech respectively, are the only vaccines available in Assam and most parts of the country.

    Sarma said with the next consignment of vaccines for the 18-44 age group likely to reach Assam around June 5-6, the pace of vaccination for the younger population will be slow till the first week of the next month and appealed to youths to "have patience".

  He said the state will receive seven lakh vaccines for the 18-44 age group in June compared to 4.5 lakh in May.     The Chief Minister, however, said the vaccination for people aged 45 years and above will continue without any impact.

Sarma also said the state aims to vaccinate 30 per cent of the eligible people from the total 3.2 crore population in Assam by August 15 provided it can get the required doses.

    "Our aim is to inoculate 1.1-1.2 crore people by August 15 if we get vaccines. We hope that the availability of vaccines will improve by that time," he added.

  Talking about overall rate of vaccination, he said: "It is likely to increase by 30 per cent in June compared to May, which will further increase by 50 per cent in July. In August, we hope to have a surplus of vaccines, meaning anyone will be able to have it (when they) walk-in."