Vaccination drive on hold even for those above 45 years in Hyderabad

HYDERABAD: A shortage of vaccines has forced the state health department to stop the vaccination drive for two days (May 1 and 2) at government centres even for people aged 45 years and above. A message sent to local authorities stated that as doses have not been received, the vaccination drive will be on hold for two days.
On Friday, Telangana director of public health Dr G Srinivasa Rao made it clear that due to vaccines being in short supply, the intended vaccination drive for residents between 18 and 44 years will be delayed. Telangana has a population of 1.72 crore in that age group, and the government had a plan to vaccinate 6.6 lakh people daily through 5,000 centres. It is estimated that the state needs nearly 3.6 crore doses of vaccine to complete the programme for this age group. The state has a daily vaccination capacity of ten lakh people.
“This ambitious plan will work out only if stock is available. The administration of the first dose can be completed within one month. Clarity will come only after CM K Chandrasekhar Rao holds a meeting,” said a state official. Sources said that process of procurement from the private companies has to be started as well.
Having announced free vaccine for everyone in the state, the health department has even asked the local authorities to take back the unused stock from private hospitals meant to be given to residents of age 45 and above. On Thursday, state health department stopped the supply of vaccine without any explanation.