TN, MP join list of States unable to launch prog for the want of vaccines
With just a handful of States ready to take up the18+ age category vaccination drive from May 1, the Government on Friday said the vaccination will begin on a slow pace on Saturday, but it will stabilise soon. Uttar Pradesh and Gujarat are among a few States which would undertake a limited exercise as scheduled for Saturday.
On Friday, Tamil Nadu and even BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh joined the list of States who have expressed inability and said they cannot launch the vaccination programme for the want of vaccines.
Several States such as Delhi, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Punjab, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar have said the third-phase of the vaccination drive may not be rolled out from May 1 as they have not received doses from vaccine companies.
Other States, including, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal, have also flagged shortage of vaccines, as per reports.
“States are coordinating with the vaccine manufacturers. And wherever they have coordinated with them, the drive will begin there, and it will slowly expand,” Lav Agarwal, Joint Secretary, Union Ministry of Health, said at a Press conference on Friday even as more than 2.45 crore beneficiaries have registered themselves on CoWIN digital platform for the Phase-3 of the vaccination.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal too on Friday said the State has not received any doses from companies yet, and 3,00,000 doses of Covishield are expected to come in next 1-2 days.
The Joint Secretary added that the Government is in touch with States, and it is working to boost production of vaccines to ensure that the inoculation drive progresses smoothly.
“Those States who can procure vaccines from manufacturers can start vaccinating tomorrow (Saturday),” said the official.
He also warned against “misplaced bravery” and stressed on following Covid-appropriate behaviour and treatment guidelines while saying, “We may be tired but the virus isn’t”.
Seeking everyone’s support to manage the situation, Agarwal said “misplaced fear” was also being observed among people and urged them not to stock oxygen cylinders at home.
However, the Uttar Pradesh Government has announced that Covid vaccination for 18 years and above would be launched in a phase manner starting with seven most affected districts of the State from Saturday.
“UP vaccination drive above 18 years of age to start only in those districts tomorrow where active cases are more than 9,000,” said additional Chief Secretary health Amit Mohan Prasad.
The 7 districts where the vaccine drive will be launched are Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Meerut and Bareilly.
Like UP, Gujarat twill also begin Covid vaccination drive for 18+ on Saturday only in 10 most-affected districts.