21% of adults in Gujarat got both jabs

AHMEDABAD: On August 18, Gujarat became the second state in India to cross 1 crore population having completed both doses of Covid-19 after Maharashtra.
However, in terms of population coverage, about 15% of the total population of Gujarat has received both doses, compared to 11.5% in Maharashtra, putting the state in first position in per million vaccinations of both doses.
Analysis of the trend also reveals that 21% of eligible population (4.93 crore) of Gujarat have got fully vaccinated (1.03 crore), whereas 65% (3.19 crore) have got the first dose. Out of the total vaccination (4.22 crore), 24.6% or about one-fourth of vaccinations took place just in four cities – Ahmedabad, Surat, Vadodara and Rajkot.
In fact, out of every 100 persons vaccinated in Gujarat, 10 were from Ahmedabad city and 8 from Surat city. In terms of coverage, 80% of eligible Ahmedabad residents and 78% Surat residents have at least got the first dose of vaccine.

The progress in some districts however is slow. Coverage of first dose is 39% in Dang, 52% in Chhota Udepur, 56% in Tapi, and 59% in Botad among others.
While Dr Nayan Jani, state immunization officer, could not be contacted, the state health department officials said that they have roped in local leaders and community members to mobilize population for inoculation.
“It’s the best period for Gujarat to boost vaccination when the cases are relatively lower and some districts have zero active cases. While the cities are better covered, need of the hour is to popularize vaccination among villages by dispelling myths and motivating prominent social persons to get vaccinated to set example,” said a city-based public health expert. “Full vaccination will play a pivotal role in protecting population for possible third wave.”
Among the total vaccinated in Gujarat, the 18-45 years population now accounts for 48% of the total vaccination.