Maha govt suspends Covaxin inoculation for 18-44 age group due to shortage

Mumbai, May 11: In the major development, Uddhav Thackeray led Maharashtra govt on Tuesday suspended Covaxin inoculation for the 18-44 age group due to vaccine shortage in the state. State Health Minister Rajesh Tope gave the information about it saying, “There is a dearth of vaccines, hence we're considering holding off vaccination drive temporarily for the 18-44 age group."

He further said that the government has decided to prioritise the second dose of the 45+ age group people with the remaining stock of vaccines. Tope said over five lakh people above 45 years are awaiting the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.

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According to the minister, the government currently has only 35,000 doses of Covaxin for administering the second dose to those above 45 years old. But over five lakh people need the second dose of Covaxin. Hence the government has decided to divert three lakh vials (of Covaxin) purchased for the 18-44 age category for the people above 45 years.

 

 

 

He said, "Efficacy of the vaccine is largely affected if the second dose is not administered in a stipulated time. To avoid such health crisis, the state government has decided to divert three lakh vials (of Covaxin) purchased for the 18-44 age category for the people above 45 years."

 

 

 

 

He also informed that patients suffering from mucormycosis or black fungus disease will now be treated free-of-cost in the state under Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Jan Arogya Yojana.

 

While talking about the lockdown he said that the decision on extending the lockdown in the state will be taken in the Cabinet meeting scheduled for tomorrow.

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