DK Shivakumar's Vaccination Challenge To Karnataka Government

DK Shivakumar challenged Karnataka government to vaccinate 80% of Karnataka's population by September-end with both doses of the vaccine to prevent a deadly third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Karnataka can only be saved from the likely third wave of COVID-19 if 80 per cent of its adult population is vaccinated with both vaccine doses by the end of September, said Congress leader DK Shivakumar on Sunday. "Experts are predicting that the third wave will hit us by October. However, if we fully vaccinate at least 80 per cent of the adult population by September-end, there may be no third wave. Even if there is, it will be very mild. That is why I am asking the Karnataka government if they are up for this challenge?" said the Karnataka Congress president in a statement. Emphasising the importance of vaccination, and mentioning that the state government has, so far, vaccinated only around 7 per cent of its eligible population with both doses, he said, "The government should stop talking about how many doses it has given. What matters is a double dose. With only a single dose, there is very little protection. With both doses, there is higher protection. Studies from Mumbai, London, New York are all saying both doses will save us." "The Karnataka government "has to, has to, has to" give both doses to at least 80 per cent adults in the state by 30 September. Failing which, they will be responsible for the third wave," he added.