Covid-19: UP to extend 18+ vax drive to all 75 districts from June 1

LUCKNOW: While several states are grappling with a shortage of Covid-19 vaccines, the Uttar Pradesh government on Saturday announced expansion of its vaccination campaign in 18-44 age-group to all 75 districts of the state from June 1. So far, the facility was available in 23 districts.
As per data from CoWin portal, over 23 lakh persons have been given the shot of hope against the virus. Of these, 10lakh are from the general population, while remaining 13lakh belong to corona frontline workers group, including doctors, nurses, health staff, revenue and security personnel. “This makes UP the first state to inoculate maximum number of youth,” an official spokesperson stated.
“Vaccination is a shield against the infection, besides adherence to Covid protocols. While on one hand, the state is committed to providing best facilities for management and treatment of positive patients, it’s making an all-out effort to weaken the chain of spread. So, the government has decided to extend the facility to all 75 districts,” said Navneet Sehgal, additional chief secretary information.
He added the CM has already directed officials to intensify the vaccination drive across the state in June. Sehgal also said, the government has floated a global tender to procure 4 crore doses to meet its inoculation target.
UP was among the first states to launch vaccination in 18-44 age-group on May 1 in Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Meerut and Bareilly. On May 11, the campaign kicked off in Aligarh, Agra, Ghaziabad, Jhansi, Moradabad, Saharanpur, Firozabad, Mathura, Ayodhya, Shahjahanpur and Gautam Budh Nagar. And now it will be taken to remaining 52 districts.
According to CoWin data updated till 9 pm on Saturday, 1.62 crore vaccines have been extended in the state. Of the total recipients, 33,44,344 have been given both doses.
In terms of age, 23,55,313 doses have been given in the 18-44 age-group, while 57,80,251 doses have been provided in 45-60 age-group. The remaining 46,62,763 doses have been given to 60-plus population. Majority of 88.2% of people in the state received the Covishield shot, while remaining were given Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin. In a few weeks, Russia-made Sputnik will also be available.
Officials said, there is enthusiasm among the 18-44 years persons to get vaccinated and data shows all slots in the category are full.