The state government has been conducting vaccination drive across all districts with an aim to curb the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19). As per reports, Maharashtra, on Tuesday, July 20, 2021, set a new record in COVID vaccinations by crossing the four crore mark. Data released by the state health department revealed that until the afternoon on Tuesday, over 4.24 crore vaccines were administered in Maharashtra so far.
Information regarding the same was shared by Dr. Pradip Vyas, Additional Chief Secretary, Health Department who said that Maharashtra is currently at the forefront of COVID vaccination in India.
Data further revealed that more than 3.6 crore people in the state have taken the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, while more than 93 lakh have taken the second dose. As many as 120,000 people were vaccinated in a one day on July 20.
Also Read: Maharashtra Govt To Start Door-to-Door Vaccinations for Bed-Ridden Individuals on Aug 1
At a national level, more than 400 million people in India have been vaccinated against coronavirus. Data shared by the the central government states that over 40.44 crore citizens have taken the vaccines ever since they were introduced in the country from January 16, 2021.
The vaccination drive in the country was divided into multiple phases keeping the availability and priority in mind. The health workers serving the country during the COVID-19 pandemic were vaccinated in the first phase followed by frontline warriors in the second phase. Senior citizens were administered the vaccines thereafter, followed by citizens above the age of 45. Until these phases, the vaccines were provided by the central government at a reduced cost.
However, understanding the need during the second COVID wave, the central government announced vaccination for everyone above the age of 18, in May 2021, whereby the respective state governments were asked to purchase the vaccines from the manufacturers. The cost of the vaccines was also revised for both government and private hospitals.
Also Read: Mixing COVID-19 vaccines is a dangerous trend, warns WHO
Currently, three vaccines - Covishield, Covaxin and Sputnik V - are being administered in India. Several Indians have not been able to take the vaccine due to the unavailability. The state government of Maharashtra has also raised tenders for the same, however, it is reported that the supply of vaccines from the central government is expected to increase with time.
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