Don’t hoard for 2nd shot: Govt to states as vax opens for 45+

New Delhi: With Covid-19 vaccination being opened to all citizens above 45 from April 1, the Centre on Wednesday asked states not to conserve vaccines for the second dose, and instead ramp up inoculation by identifying low vaccine-coverage pockets, especially in districts reporting a surge in cases and take action.

Health secretary Rajesh Bhushan and chief executive of National Health Authority R S Sharma reviewed preparedness with states and UTs and said there was no shortage of vaccines, adding private hospitals should be promptly supplied stocks to encourage vaccination. The Centre assured states it would continually replenish the stocks based on consumption trends.

“There is no value in conserving vaccines for the second dose and states must promptly supply vaccines to all government and private hospitals where there is demand,” Sharma said. After a weekend and Holi, close to 20 lakh shots were given on March 30. The Centre said efforts should be made to keep vaccine wastage under 1% and review its use. At present, the average wastage is 6%.

New Delhi: With Covid-19 vaccination being opened to all citizens above 45 from April 1, the Centre on Wednesday asked states not to conserve vaccines for the second dose, and instead ramp up inoculation by identifying low vaccine-coverage pockets, especially in districts reporting a surge in cases and take action.

Health secretary Rajesh Bhushan and chief executive of National Health Authority R S Sharma reviewed preparedness with states and UTs and said there was no shortage of vaccines,adding private hospitals should be promptly supplied stocks to encourage vaccination. The Centre assured states it would continually replenish the stocks based on consumption trends.

“There is no value in conserving vaccines for the second dose and states must promptly supply vaccines to all government and private hospitals where there is demand,” Sharma said. After a weekend and Holi, close to 20 lakh shots were given on March 30. The Centre said efforts should be made to keep vaccine wastage under 1% and review its use. At present, the average wastage is 6%.

New Delhi: With Covid-19 vaccination being opened to all citizens above 45 from April 1, the Centre on Wednesday asked states not to conserve vaccines for the second dose, and instead ramp up inoculation by identifying low vaccine-coverage pockets, especially in districts reporting a surge in cases and take action.

Health secretary Rajesh Bhushan and chief executive of National Health Authority R S Sharma reviewed preparedness with states and UTs and said there was no shortage of vaccines,adding private hospitals should be promptly supplied stocks to encourage vaccination. The Centre assured states it would continually replenish the stocks based on consumption trends.

“There is no value in conserving vaccines for the second dose and states must promptly supply vaccines to all government and private hospitals where there is demand,” Sharma said. After a weekend and Holi, close to 20 lakh shots were given on March 30. The Centre said efforts should be made to keep vaccine wastage under 1% and review its use. At present, the average wastage is 6%.