1,07,620 doses received from sources other than CentreVax drive for 18+ from May 17

Ambika Sharma

Tribune News Service

Solan, May 14

The Covid vaccination drive for the 18-44 age group will begin in the state from May 17. At least 1,07,620 doses have been received from sources other than the Government of India channel.

The Director, National Health Mission, has asked all chief medical officers to organise bi-monthly sessions for this age group on Mondays and Thursdays beginning May 17. The sessions will be subsequently conducted on May 20, 24, 27 and 31.

Only 100 beneficiaries will be inoculated at a time. The beneficiaries will have to book slots online and there will be no walk-in appointment.

The vaccine distribution is being done as per the 2011 Census and 1,070 sessions have been planned in all districts. The maximum 228 sessions will be held in worst-hit Kangra district, followed by Mandi (154), Shimla (136) Solan (98) Sirmaur (82), Una (79), Chamba (78), Kullu (71), Hamirpur (66), Bilaspur (59), Kinnaur (14) and Lahaul and Spiti (5).

Kangra district has 21.26 per cent of the state’s population, followed by Mandi district (14.39 per cent), Shimla (12.7 per cent) and Solan (9.13 per cent). These are among the worst hit districts.

To cope with staff scarcity, the CMOs have been directed not to hold vaccination sessions for other age groups on these days. The sites having large catchment areas such as urban clusters will be consistent in vaccination while those in the rural areas can be rotated to ensure equity.

The vaccination drive in the state has completed 118 days during which 20,79,328 doses have been administered with zero wastage.