The Maharashtra government resumes the COVID-19 vaccination drive for all above 18 years from today, June 22.
The decision was taken to speed up the drive in the state, said Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope adding they are approving vaccinations for all adults. He also urged the state’s youth to get themselves vaccinated at the earliest.
However, till Monday, June 21, only those who are 30 years and above were allowed to get inoculated in Maharashtra. From June 19, the state government extended the free vaccination drive by covering the 30-45 age group. It had decided not to start the drive for the 18-30 age group, owing to the shortage of vaccine doses.
Also Read: Maharashtra leads India’s COVID-19 vaccination drive; Over 2.52 crore doses administered
Earlier, the government decided to resume the vaccination drive for the 18-45 age group, but in two phases. In the first phase, Maharashtra started inoculating beneficiaries who are 30 years and above, and later, start covering all those above 18 years in the second phase.
Currently, the state has a stock of around 1,500,000 doses. Hence, the decision to resume vaccination for all has been made as inadequate stock of doses is likely to create a mess if all above 18 years are allowed to get vaccinated in the state, considering which they had put it on hold, said Tope.
On the other hand, announcing a change in its approach, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) said that from June 21, only 50 per cent of vaccinations at the public centres would be through online appointments.
The state government had started its drive for beneficiaries in the 18-45 age group on May 1 after it was allowed by the Centre. However, it was suspended on May 12, owing to the unavailability of vaccine doses.
Share
Tweet
