COVID-19: Telangana to inoculate 7.78 lakh high risk individuals in 18+ age group from May 28

HYDERABAD: Telangana has now decided to inoculate high risk groups by beginning an exclusive vaccination drive from 28th May which will cover nearly 7.87 lakh individuals in the first phase. This drive will be for 18+ high risk individuals who come in close contact with people on a day to day basis providing essential services.

In a press meet, the Director of Public Health Dr G Srinivas Rao announced, “We have identified nearly 7.78 lakh individuals. This will include around 80,000 from civil supplies, 30,000 from fertilizer and pesticide shops, 20,000 journalists, 3,00,000 cabbies, auto drivers in GHMC, 3,00,000 workers in vegetable, meat, flower, kirana and saloon shops.”

According to officials, this is only the first phase and eventually more groups on the frontlines apart from these will be included. It will further be extended to various municipalities across Telangana.

“The idea is to create herd immunity. For this, we have also permitted vaccinations in private hospitals. At present, permissions are with 244 private hospitals. However, we are increasing this and after all clearances, nearly 1200 private hospitals can start vaccinating 18+ citizens and also hold workplace vaccination, vaccination in gated communities etc,” added Dr Rao.

The state furthermore has procured nearly 2.5 lakh doses of vaccine from Bharat Biotech on its own to address the acute vaccine shortage when it comes to Covaxin. At the moment, the state has around 3 lakh individuals due for the second dose. Another batch of 2.5 lakh from Bharat Biotech is due. Further, state officials informed that about 6.18 lakh doses of Covishield were with the state and an additional 3.35 lakh will come in by the first week of June.