Only 21 jabbed on first day of 18-plus vaccination drive

Tribune News Service
Amritsar, May 10

A total of 21 workers, registered with the Labour Department, were inoculated in district on Monday as a part of the launch of Covid-19 vaccination drive for 18-44 age group, as announced by the state government earlier. The shortage of vaccines has forced the administration to devise the priority category list as free-all-all drive could have resulted in a huge rush at vaccination centres.

While speaking to the media, Punjab Medical Education Minister OP Soni said construction workers were at a high risk and a more vulnerable part of the workforce. He, however, added that there was no shortage of vaccines and the state government would ensure a regular supply of the vaccine.

He added that at least 25 vaccination centres had been added in the district and MC councilors have been asked to organise camps in their areas for vaccination of residents.

Civil Surgeon Charanjit Singh too claimed that the vaccine was available in sufficient quantity and the decision to start vaccination of construction workers has been taken in line with the guidelines of the state government. Meanwhile, a total of 4,629 persons received the vaccination on Monday.

Officials said 24,734 healthcare workers (HCW), 42,187 frontline workers (FLW), 1,88,735 those above 45 years and 21 persons above 18 years have been partially vaccinated. Additionally 14,557 HCWs, 16,482 FLWs and 37,271 persons above 45 years have been fully vaccinated.