The World Health Organization said Friday a shortfall in Covid-19 vaccine doses going through the Covax programme in June and July could undermine the efficiency of the roll-out.
Beneficiaries receiving dose of Covid-19 vaccine at a vaccination centre at Kendriya Vidyalaya, Kankarbagh in Patna on Sunday
NEW DELHI: Infection fears, lockdowns, increased demands on medical staff and a vaccine shortfall in the 18-44 category are seen as reasons for low jab numbers, and any significant increase in daily vaccinations is likely only when supplies for the younger age group increase, government officials said.
Responding to queries on vaccinations not matching the available supplies, officials TOI spoke to said there might be a range of reasons, including the lack of mobility due to lockdowns in most states that have discouraged people from venturing out of homes. They said a slack in even the 45-plus category was noticed after the initial rush when the category was made eligible for shots from April 1.
Warning of a COVID-19 vaccine shortfall of nearly 190 million doses by next month, the United Nations Children s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) on Monday called for a global, equitable distribution of vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics to curb the spread of the virus. In a statement, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said that COVAX - the global COVID vaccine equity scheme - will be delivering its 65 millionth dose soon, which should have been at least its 170 millionth. We have issued repeated warnings of the risks of letting down our guard and leaving low- and middle-income countries without equitable access to vaccines, diagnostics and therapeutics. Cases are exploding and health systems are struggling in countries near - like Nepal, Sri Lanka and Maldives - and far, like Argentina and Brazil. The cost for children and families will be incalculable, she said.
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