Two days before the “much-awaited” COVID-19 vaccination drive is about to commence on January 16, the Maharashtra health department revealed that the vaccine will be available for the general public only after six-seven months or a year after the nationwide inoculation exercise begins.
The officials also stated that it could take six-seven months to a year for the first three phases of the COVID-19 vaccination exercise to conclude.
According to reports, the collation of data of frontline workers, including police personnel and staff of departments involved in COVID-19 management, will be crucial in the completion of phase-2 of the vaccination exercise. As it would further help in determining when the third phase, meant for senior citizens and those with co-morbidities, can be rolled out.
Also Read: Maharashtra Health minister says No Covid vaccine for minors, pregnant women
The data enrolment for frontline workers can be done till January 25. Officials said that timeline should not be the focus as the government has clearly indicated that the priority group vaccination drive for healthcare workers, frontline workers, people above 50 and those with co-morbid conditions will take 7-8 months or even a year.
However, officials are optimistic that more COVID-19 vaccine candidates to get emergency use authorisation in the coming months. This is likely to help boost the supply of doses. Besides, there is a need of more than 17 lakh doses including buffer stock in Maharashtra. But the Central Government has provided 9.63 lakh doses of vaccine in the state, which is only 55 per cent of the required dose is available, said Rajesh To.
The Union Health Ministry had earlier said that it is aiming to vaccinate 30 crore people by July.
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