The Odisha government on Thursday flagged the acute shortage of Covishield vaccine that threatens inoculation of people aged 45 and above waiting for their second dose.
“We are facing an acute shortage of Covishield in the State. We are unable to give second dose to 45 and above age group. While vaccine required for beneficiaries due for second dose is 6.3 lakh doses, the State is currently having a stock of 1.1 lakh doses,” said P. K. Mohapatra, Additional Chief Secretary (Health).
“At this difficult juncture, the government is minutely identifying people urgently requiring the second dose through our tracking system. We are making the best possible efforts to vaccinate them on priority basis. When vaccine consignment arrives, the drive would be speeded up,” said Mr. Mohapatra.
Due to the depleted stock, inoculation drive was temporarily halted in 12 out of 30 districts in Odisha on Thursday. The government which was once carrying out vaccination at more than 1400 sites brought it down to 302.
The government, which was carrying out vaccination at more than 1,400 sites, brought it down to 302. At present, Odisha has a stock of 1.19 lakh doses of Covishied and 3.46 lakh doses of Covaxin — insufficient to go for State-wide vaccination.
Vaccination has been cancelled in Balasore, Bhadrak, Boudh, Cuttack, Jajpur, Jharsuguda, Kendrapara. Keonjhar, Khordha, Koraput, Mayurbhanj and Puri districts.
Though Bhubaneswar is part of Khordha, vaccination has been allowed in the capital city because it is the only place where Covaxin is administered.
Hundreds of people had to return from vaccination centres as they had no information about the sudden halt. Though inoculation went on in some parts of Sambalpur district, people had no access to vaccination at district headquarters town due to shortage.
Health Department officials said the vaccination would resume once doses are received.
The State government has asked the Serum Institute of India to supply 40 lakh doses of Covishield for May for phase 2 drive for 18-44 age group. Based on the estimated target, Odisha needs 80 lakh doses per month for June, July and August.
Similarly, the Bharat Biotech International has been requested to supply 5 lakh Covaxin doses by May 31 and 5.34 lakh more by June 15. The State Medical Corporation has placed an order worth ₹62.04 crore at the rate of ₹600 per dose and 5% GST.
