How India can target 5 million vaccinations a day

The latest evidence from countries that have achieved significant Covid-19 vaccination levels shows they are effective in curbing disease spread and preventing serious cases. With debilitating lockdowns no longer an option, India needs to more than double daily vaccinations to curb the second wave and get the country moving again. This is how India can target 5 million vaccinations a day as it moves to the next phase — anyone over 45 now is eligible for the jab.

HIGH VACCINATION NUMBERS, BUT NOT ENOUGH
India is currently averaging about 2 million doses a day, down from a recent peak of 2.3 million a day. At this rate, it would take roughly two years to fully vaccinate about 60% of India’s adult population.

TARGET SHOULD BE RAISED TO 5 MILLION VACCINATIONS A DAY
At 5 million a day, or 150 million a month, by the end of the year, more than half the adult population would be fully vaccinated.

WHAT CAN BE DONE TO ACHIEVE 5 MILLION/DAY TARGET

SUPPLY SIDE: LIFT VACCINE AND VACCINATION CAPACITY

1. 100-125 million doses a month can come immediately from Dr Reddy’s, sources say
2. This can meet immediate expansion needs
3. Sputnik supply will rise when contract manufacturers — Gland, Virchow, Strides and Hetero — start supply

DEMAND SIDE: GET MORE PEOPLE TO TAKE VACCINES

• Campaign against vaccine hesitancy
• Open vaccination to more people so that high numbers can be achieved, despite hesitancy
• Start camps to achieve higher numbers
• Greater effort in pandemic areas where acceptance will be higher
• Allow companies to organise vaccinations for workers for faster return to work
• High caseload states need to do better, follow Kerala’s example