AHMEDABAD: The state health department has set a steep target for itself — covering 4.33 lakh healthcare workers — in next 10 days as part of first phase of vaccination drive. As of Monday evening, Gujarat has administered 92,122 doses, bringing the vaccination to 21% of the target.
Senior state health department officials told TOI that they will ramp up the drive by adding more vaccination centres — primarily in private medical settings — where the target is to complete 50,000 or more doses daily.
Dr Nayan Jani, state immunization officer, said that on Monday 13,803 doses were administered at 213 vaccination centres. “On Saturday, we saw 501 centres at its maximum so far. We have asked the respective districts and municipal corporations to see how they can add capacity,” he said, adding that from January 31, the state-wide pulse polio vaccination drive will also start, which will halt the Covid-19 vaccination for some days.
Top officials also confirmed that Gujarat has received the first stock of Covaxin. “We have received 1.5 lakh doses of the vaccine. Earlier, we have received 5.41 lakh doses for Covishield. So far, all the HCWs are administered Covishield. The decision on how to introduce Covaxin is yet to be taken. But the plan is – the corresponding shot for the same vaccine will be reserved for the second round of vaccination for the beneficiaries,” said an official.
So far, the highest single-day Covid-19 vaccination witnessed in Gujarat is 31,116 on January 23. “The challenge would be to encourage more HCWs from lower ranks to get vaccinated. The response from the doctors is good, and they have also motivated their staff members to get the shot. A campaign to dispel myths is also launched by some doctors to ensure more participation,” said a senior health department official.
Compared to cities, the percentage in districts is slightly higher, added the official.