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Maharashtra puts the brake on Covid-19 vaccination for 18-44 year olds State to divert entire Covaxin stock for 45+
Maharashtra has put the brakes on vaccination of persons in the 18-44 years age group and will use the available stock to provide second dose for those above 45 years. The decision has been taken because of non-availability of adequate stock of Covid-19 vaccines, Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope said on Tuesday. The state health department has announced diverting the entire stock of 275,000 Covaxin doses, which it had procured for the 1844 age group, to vaccinate those above 45 years. Doses of Serum
Institute of India’s Covishield vaccine meant for 18-44 years too could be diverted for the 45 plus group. Tope indicated challenges in procuring doses but did not disclose the quantum of Covishield which could be diverted. As of now, no instruction has been issued to districts on diverting Covishield doses. While Maharashtra has declared it would divert Covaxin doses meant for 18-44 years, seven other states had last week flagged off shortages in vaccines for administering the second dose. States have also started cancelling appointments for the first jab to prioritise the stock for second doses. Tope said the move to divert the doses followed discussion with Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan. “I spoke with the Union health minister and explained that vaccines need to be provided as second doses are due. However, vaccines are not available. Hence, we will use the vaccines procured for persons in 18-44 age group for vaccinating people over the age of 45 years,” Tope said. He added that this would lead to a slowing down of vaccination in the state.