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COVID-19 vaccination: List of states to begin vaccination for 18+ from today

States like Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra have begun COVID-19 vaccination for all adults above the age of 18 years from Saturday, May 1; here's what you need to know

These states are being extremely judicious with their vaccination drives

Coronavirus vaccination for all those between 18 and 45 years of age has started only in 6 states-- Uttar Pradesh (UP), Gujarat, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Maharashtra amid a shortage of vaccines. The UP and Gujarat governments have decided to prioritise all those residing in vulnerable districts whereas the Chhattisgarh government will prioritise the poorest of the poor in the state.  

States that have begun COVID-19 vaccination for all adults above the age of 18 years from Saturday, May 1

UTTAR PRADESH

The Yogi Adityanath government has begun the inoculation drive for the 18-44 age group in seven districts that have more than 9,000 active cases. These districts include Allahabad, Bareilly, Gorakhpur, Kanpur, Lucknow, Meerut and Varanasi.

The state has also placed orders for vaccines so that they are able to immunise everyone. "We ordered 1 crore vaccines. We have received vaccines for the 45+ category too. We have purchased directly from the companies. We have also floated global tenders for 5 crore vaccines in the state. I am sure that we will be able to take this forward successfully," UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said.

GUJARAT

Coronavirus vaccination drive for all those above 18 years of age has begun in the 10 worst affected districts on Saturday. These districts include Mehsana, Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot, Bhavnagar, Jamnagar, Kutch, Bharuch and Gandhinagar. Vaccination for the entire state will be rolled out as soon as the vaccines are available in larger numbers.

"CM Shri @vijayrupanibjp in a video message assures people about the commencement of corona vaccination for the 18+ people from tomorrow, May 1, the Gujarat Foundation Day, in 10-most affected districts and will cover the entire state as soon as the vaccine availability increases," Gujarat Chief Minister Office said in a tweet.


RAJASTHAN

Rajasthan will begin the vaccination drive for people in the 18-45 age group in nine worst-hit cities due to the shortage of vaccines on Saturday. State Health Minister Raghu Sharma said that 7 crore vaccine doses will be needed to inoculate 3.25 crore people aged 18 years and above.

TAMIL NADU

Although the state government is not in a position to begin the vaccination drive, Apollo Hospitals in Chennai has started inoculating people above 18 years of age. The beneficiaries need to register on the CoWIN portal or Aarogya Setu app. Walk-in appointments are not allowed for those aged between 18 and 45 years.

MAHARASHTRA

Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope has said the state is likely to begin its vaccination drive today. "Maharashtra CM genuinely feels that the state can start the vaccination drive from May 1. May 1 is also the state foundation day; hence he is inclined to start this drive from that day," Tope said.

The minister added that the programme will be consistent and conducted as per the instructions of the central government.

CHHATTISGARH

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said vaccination centres across the state are ready for the inoculation drive. Baghel added that priority will be given to Antyodaya cardholders (poorest of the poor in Chhattisgarh) due to the paucity of vaccines. The Centre will provide 1,03,040 vaccines for the vaccination of people in the 18-44 age bracket to the Chhattisgarh government.

"Since there is a shortage of vaccines, we will start the vaccination from the poorest person in our state who has an Antyodaya card. For this, the beneficiary will have to bring his ration card and Aadhaar card. As we get the vaccine, we will progress in the direction of vaccinating all classes of people respectively," Baghel said.