Free vaccination opens for 18-44 age group across Gujarat

AHMEDABAD: The wait is finally over. Those in the age group of 18-44 years across Gujarat will be able to avail free vaccination from Friday. The state government’s decision comes 34 days after it began vaccination for this age group in 10 municipal corporations and district areas on May 1.
In the past one month, 18 lakh people in this age group have been vaccinated, according to the state health department officials.

On Thursday, the Covid-19 core committee chaired by CM Vijay Rupani decided to extend the vaccination drive to all districts. “From Friday, about 2.15 lakh youths will be covered daily under the initiative. The vaccination will be provided through registration at 1,200 centres in the state. The beneficiaries will be intimated about time and place through SMS,” said CM Rupani.
“About 75,000 persons in 45-plus age group will also also be covered daily. In all, the target is to inoculate 3 lakh persons daily,” said Rupani. “So far, about 1.25 lakh youths used to get the vaccination in 10 cities. We have ordered 3 crore vaccines for inoculation.”
In the past one week, out of 11.75 lakh shots, 7 lakh or about 60% were administered in the 18-44 years age group. The beneficiaries in 45-60 years were 2.43 lakh, and 60-plus years were 1.03 lakh according to CoWIN portal data.