Coronavirus | Maharashtra pauses COVID-19 vaccination for 18-44 years age group
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The Maharashtra Cabinet on Wednesday determined to pause the COVID-19 vaccination drive for people within the 18 to 44 years age group for time being. The authorities has determined to prioritise out there vaccines for people above 45 years who’ve their second dose pending.
State Health Minister Rajesh Tope mentioned after the Cabinet assembly, “We are doing this for time being. It is because we have no vaccines left. Presently, we get vaccines from two companies only. Therefore, the Central government cannot supply enough vaccines for the vaccination of those above 45 years. It is mandatory to give second dose to ensure effectiveness of first. As a result, the vaccine the State government purchased for 18 to 44 (years) will be diverted completely to those above 45 years.”
Mr. Tope mentioned that Adar Poonawala, CEO of the Serum Institute of India, had knowledgeable Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray that he would ship one-and-a-half crore vaccines per thirty days after May 20. “Decision on 18 to 44 (years) will be taken thereafter, considering the availability of vaccines,” he mentioned. The Minister added that the choice to divert all out there vaccines for these above 45 years was a scientific resolution, essential for their well being.
The Minister mentioned that the federal government was ready to put a world tender however the Centre wanted to approve vaccines from different firms reminiscent of Pfizer, Moderna and Johnson & Johnson. “Once it is done, we will issue global tenders. We have decided that the Chief Minister will write to the Prime Minister, explaining to him the situation about vaccines,” he mentioned.
In Maharashtra, round 16 lakh people given the primary shot of Covishield, and 4 lakh people given the primary shot of Covaxin, await the second jab. “At present, we have 7 lakh doses of Covishield and 3 lakh doses of Covaxin. We will deliver to all those above 45 years within three days now,” he mentioned.
Mr. Tope mentioned that the lockdown referred to as by the State authorities had helped curb the rise in instances. “We discussed the issue of lockdown in Cabinet. There are several other challenges such as the growth [in numbers] of Mucormycosis (a type of fungal infection). Several districts are still showing a rise in the number of cases. Many Ministers conveyed that the lockdown needs to be increased by 15 more days,” he mentioned.
Under ‘Mission Oxygen’, every district will likely be producing medical oxygen as per its requirement. The State Cabinet additionally determined to encourage firms producing oxygen utilizing ASU (air separation unit) and PSA (stress swing absorption) applied sciences. “The government will encourage companies through different incentives such as registration fee waiver, reduction in power tariff, stamp duty waiver, GST exemption. These steps are are to make Maharashtra self-reliant on medical oxygen,” the State Health Minister mentioned.
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