COVID-19 vaccination | ZyCoV-D to be introduced in 7 States initially
The Hindu
Around 12 crore still due for second dose of vaccine, says Union Health Ministry
Zydus Cadila's COVID-19 vaccine ZyCoV-D will be initially introduced in seven States including Bihar, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal, said Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said on Thursday. These States have been asked to identify the districts with high number of the first dose left out, for introduction of the vaccine.
After a review meeting with the States, Mr. Bhushan said around 12 crore people are still due for their second COVID-19 vaccine dose across the country. The States have been instructed to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries of the first dose are saturated and available vaccines consumed timely and no dose expires in both the government and private facilities.
“The ‘Har Ghar Dastak’ nation-wide COVID-19 vaccination campaign has resulted in a hike of 5.9% in the first dose coverage [till Nov 30] and a jump of 11.7% in the second dose coverage has been registered during the campaign,’’ said Mr. Bhushan.