On Sunday, people familiar with the matter informed that in electoral states like Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, it is the priority of the government to give at least one dose of Kovid vaccine to the entire eligible population. In addition, the target of one billion COVID vaccine doses is also likely to be achieved by the second week of October, central government officials said.
A senior government official on condition of anonymity said, “We are looking at giving at least one shot of the Kovid-19 vaccine to everyone in the states where assembly elections are due soon. States like Goa and Himachal Pradesh have already seen 100% first dose coverage, and then there are states like Punjab and Uttar Pradesh where assembly elections are due next year and we will ensure that everyone here is given at least the first dose Go. Goa and Himachal Pradesh have already given at least one dose of the vaccine to their entire population.
The Center is emphasizing the need to avoid crowds as far as possible to prevent corona. And if there is a need to go out in public places where there is a possibility of a huge crowd then it should be done only by those who have been fully vaccinated.
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) Director-General Balram Bhargava said "... mass gatherings should be stopped, especially in the upcoming festive season as we still have some districts which are facing the problem. Also, Full vaccination should be a pre-requisite.
The government said that 20% of India's adult population has been fully vaccinated and 62% have received at least one dose. Of all the vaccines used, about 89% are Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccines, manufactured by the Serum Institute of India under the brand name Covishield. At least 10% are Bharat Biotech's Covaccin and about 1% are Russian-made Sputnik V vaccine.
