LUCKNOW: Anticipating a rise in coronavirus cases during the Holi season, the
Uttar Pradesh government is working on a proposal to vaccinate the people who fall under the 18-45 age group as well.
Besides, the proposal, to be sent to the Centre soon for approval, would also seek a nod for lifting the mandatory comorbidity condition for those in their 50s.
This means that those in the 50s may just walk in with their age proofs to get the Covid-19 vaccine.
The proposal is subject to approval from the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
State health minister Jai Pratap Singh said that UP’s strategy has worked well so far in containment of the pandemic which reflects in its high recovery and low mortality rate.
Singh, however, admitted that the state was ready to tweak the plan in public interest under the guidance from the Union health ministry.
As per the proposal, younger people in the 18-45 age group should be allowed to take the Covid-19 vaccine especially if they have any co-morbid condition like type-1 diabetes, medically diagnosed hypertension or cardiac condition.
Those with any kind of auto-immune diseases or on immuno-suppressant medication may also be allowed.
Discussions over inclusion of certain groups of professionals like teachers and banking staff is also being deliberated upon.
To achieve herd immunity, UP must vaccinate 30% of its 22.79 crore population, which is approximately 6.8 crore.
So far, about 34 lakh people have been vaccinated in the state which is about 5% of the target.
Therefore, vaccination must be opened for more age groups, said a health department official.
Besides, sources said, inclusion of those in the 18-45 age group is being considered to cut down the anticipated spread of the infection as they are more mobile than elders.
“These are the people who may be silent spreaders. Data shows that while a large majority of them were asymptomatic, they are carriers of the virus. Therefore, their inclusion is crucial to control the spread,” said a health department official