Tamil Nadu improves vaccine utilisation rate

But the lack of adequate supply is slowing the inoculation drive

Tamil Nadu is improving its COVID-19 vaccine utilisation rate, but lack of adequate supply has been slowing the drive. Right now, the overall vaccination performance against supply stands at 97%, with 10 health unit districts (HUDs) achieving utilisation of 100% or more. From facing vaccine hesitancy earlier, the State is witnessing a growing demand. The need of the hour is increased supply. “Now, we are running with one to two days of stock. Our team can plan vaccination in the peripheral areas if we have the stock for a week. We are not in a comfortable position and we are pushing the stock as and when we get it,” said T.S. Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine. Of the 71 lakh doses allotted for the State this month, 20 lakh doses have so far been supplied. “Right now, our routine is to manage with 3.5 lakh doses to 4 lakh doses. However, we will be in a good position if we have five lakh doses a day,” he said. Data released by the Directorate of Public Health (DPH) and Preventive Medicine showed that as of July 11, the total doses supplied was 1,67,88,460. Of them, 1,62,61,985 doses were administered. Except for Ramanathapuram and Aranthangi, where the performance stood at 85% and 88% respectively, the remaining 43 HUDs recorded over 90%. Ten HUDs have utilisation of 100% or more — Cheyyar (102%), Erode (100%), Karur (104%), Krishnagiri (100%), Nagapattinam (103%), Kanniyakumari (103%), Sivakasi (101%), Tenkasi (102%), Tiruchi (100%) and Tiruppur (104%). Chennai, which received 28,63,750 doses, has utilised 26,96,252 doses, a performance of 94%. Coimbatore and Madurai recorded 97% and 99% respectively.