As India’s COVID-19 immunization campaign gains momentum, government records show that approximately half of the doses were delivered to those aged 18 to 44.
On Wednesday, the total number of dosages delivered in India surpassed the 70 crore level.
Even as the vaccine campaign gains momentum, Biocon Chairperson Kiran Mazumdar Shaw predicts that it will take nine months to vaccinate everyone.
28.2 crore is provided as the first shot in the 18-44 age group: Data
According to statistics given by the Health Ministry, 50.3 per cent of doses were administered to people aged 18 to 44, followed by those aged 45 to 60 (29.8 per cent) and those over 60 (50.3 per cent) (19.9 per cent).
The first shot received almost 28.2 crore doses in the 18-44 age range, while the second injection received 3.73 crores.
In addition, 1.89 billion and 3.20 billion doses were provided to healthcare and frontline personnel, respectively.
So far, almost 71 crore doses have been delivered across the country
Since the vaccination push began on January 16, 70,75,43,018 doses have been provided across the country, according to statistics updated as of 8 a.m. on Wednesday.
Over a 24-hour period, 78,47,625 dosages were delivered, according to the statistics.
The Cowin dashboard shows that 76.3 lakh doses were delivered at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, bringing the total to 71.45 crores.
‘To completely vaccinate all people, a minimum of 9 months is necessary.’
“Another nine months minimum to give at least two doses of the vaccine to the eligible population,” Shaw remarked at an event hosted by the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Shaw credited the Serum Institute of India (SII) with providing 600 million of the 650 million doses delivered up to that point.
She stated that the SII and other companies would increase output.
India is on the verge of another COVID-19 wave, according to Shaw
Shaw also cautioned that India is on the verge of another COVID-19 wave, urging people to avoid large-scale gatherings during the festival season. She also mentioned an increase in illnesses in Kerala following the Onam celebration.
Several analysts believe that a “third wave” of COVID-19 would reach India in September or October, warning of any rules violations.
Shaw expresses surprise at ‘third shot’ negotiations and urges for equity
Separately, Shaw noted her surprise that some countries have begun to discuss a third vaccination dosage (booster doses) even though numerous poor or emerging countries have yet to deliver initial doses to residents.
“If nations just want to look after themselves, I can tell you they are not looking after themselves unless they look after every other country,” Shaw advised.