Emphasis is being placed on maximum vaccination in the Maharashtra to curb the growing number of covid cases. Up to 2 lakh tests are being done daily. So far 1 crore 84 lakh people have been vaccinated. There are now only 35,000 doses of vaccine left for those over 45 years of age. Tope also said that the state government is considering pausing vaccination drive temporarily for 18-44 age group due to shortage of vaccines.
Therefore, the purchase of vaccine made by the state government for the age group of 18 to 45 will be given to persons above 45 yr group, informed Health Minister Rajesh Tope.
Rajesh Tope gave this information at a press conference. Tope said it was important to give priority to second dose of the vaccine to people over the age of 45 in the state.
Currently, 5 lakh people need to be given a second dose of the vaccine. Vaccination centers are closed in many places due to non-availability of vaccine stocks from the centers. 16 lakh doses of Covishield are yet to be received from the Central Government. However, due to non-availability of vaccine, the 3 lakh doses purchased by the state government will now be given to persons above 45 years of age. Therefore, Rajesh Tope has given a signal to stop vaccination of people in the age group of 18 to 44 in the state.
Besides, whether to put a brake on vaccination of citizens between the ages of 18 and 44 will be discussed in the cabinet meeting to be held on Wednesday Asked about the Sputnik vaccine, he said there was no response yet. Currently those who have been given the first dose of the vaccine. Efficacy of the vaccine is largely affected if the second dose is not administered in a stipulated time. Talks have been held with Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray. Health Minister Rajesh Tope informed that a decision will be taken in tomorrow's meeting.