Vaccination phase 2 to cover 60% of people

The first phase, which will cover health and frontline workers as well as “vulnerable” sections, is expected to roll out from January and end latest by July. The second, more ambitious phase in terms of targets, could start even before the priority group has been fully covered, depending on improved availability of vaccines.

Sushmi Dey
  • Published On Dec 8, 2020 at 07:26 AM IST
Read by: 100 Industry Professionals
Reader Image Read by 100 Industry Professionals
New Delhi: In the second phase of vaccination against Covid-19, the government plans to significantly scale up operations to cover around 80 crore people — 60% of the country’s population — in an exercise aimed at achieving herd immunity.

The first phase, which will cover health and frontline workers as well as “vulnerable” sections, is expected to roll out from January and end latest by July. The second, more ambitious phase in terms of targets, could start even before the priority group has been fully covered, depending on improved availability of vaccines.

The first phase could reduce mortality by 80-85% from the disease, official sources said. This is intended to cover sections of the population where prevalence of co-morbidities is higher. The age criteria for second phase is likely to be 35 and above while there will be further differentiation of vulnerable sections. According to the framework being drawn up, categories like teachers, drivers and media personnel will be considered.

Advt
“Vaccination has to be a strategic exercise, particularly in a country with a large population. So, we have decided to first inoculate 30 crore people. This will cover the high risk population,” an official told TOI. “In the second phase, we are expecting a scale up in vaccine availability. As soon as that happens, we can cover 60% of the population to achieve herd immunity by breaking the chain of transmission,” he added.

As applications from Covid vaccine manufacturers seeking approval for emergency use are being filed, the government’s planning for its national vaccination programme has gathered pace. In the first phase, 30 crore people will also include those in police, Army, paramilitary and municipal bodies and people above 50 years of age. The government is expecting two vaccines by the end of January.

  • Published On Dec 8, 2020 at 07:26 AM IST
Be the first one to comment.
Comment Now

Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals

Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis.

Download ETHealthworld App

  • Get Realtime updates
  • Save your favourite articles
Scan to download App