Covid vaccination rate below Maharashtra's average in 22 districts

PUNE: Vaccination against Covid-19 is still below the state average in 22 districts despite inoculation picking up in Maharashtra in the past two days.
Of these, the average first dose vaccination in eight districts is below 60%. It is above 80% in 13 districts, including Mumbai, Pune, Bhandara, Sindhudurg and Gondia. The state’s average first dose vaccination coverage is 76.01% and it is 37.09% for the second dose, according to the November 15 report of the public health department.
A total of 14 districts have registered first dose coverage between 61% and 76%.Eight districts — Hingoli, Nanded, Yavatmal, Akola, Aurangabad, Amravati, Beed and Nandurbar — were marked in red because their first dose beneficiaries ranged from 56% to 60%.
Additional chief secretary, health, Dr Pradeep Vyas has directed all the collectors to draw up a plan to ensure 100% vaccination of first dose beneficiaries by November 30.
“Now, we have started the Har Ghar Dastak campaign and proactively approaching those yet to get the first dose as well as the beneficiaries who have missed their second dose. We shall attempt to ensure that by November 30 all eligible population receive at least one shot of vaccination,” he told TOI.
State public health officials stated that local authorities had been asked to draw up their plans in order to ensure that eligible people were vaccinated at the earliest. “The local authorities, while carrying out the door-to-door campaign, should ensure that all adult beneficiaries have taken the first dose and they should also check for the time of the second dose to ensure that they are vaccinated,” said a senior health official.
As on Wednesday, a total of 3.46 crore people have been fully vaccinated in the state.
“The low percentage of second dose coverage could be mainly because of the gap in Covishield doses or laxity in taking it. The officials have been asked to keep a track of the second dose beneficiaries and to find out the reason why those due for it have not taken it. They should be persuaded to get a shot and to go to the nearest vaccination centre,” said the official.
The state task force members stressed on double vaccination to reduce the severity of the disease and deaths. “Double vaccination and proper ventilation is a mandate that should be followed,” said a task force member.