Vaccine shortage stares Haryana in the face

Tribune News Service
Chandigarh, May 4

Close on the heels of oxygen shortage, the state faces acute crunch of Covid vaccine at a time when there is a spurt in the number of cases. With demand exceeding the supply, the existing stock of vaccine is fast depleting.

While the government has placed an order for 66 lakh doses, the state has been allocated 4.3 lakh vaccines by the Centre. With the state starting vaccination for the 18-44 age category on May 2, there is pressure on the existing infrastructure.

Karnal: Several persons above 44 years are unable to get their appointment as the government portal shows that all time slots are full.

“I tried to get an appointment for my parents for the second dose, but couldn’t book a slot,” said Sagar, a resident of Sector 3.

The authorities, however, claimed to have sufficient stock. “There are around 7,000 doses of Covishield for those above 44 years and around 12,000 doses for the 18-44 age group. Around 3,500 doses of Covaxin are in stock for persons above 44. The injections are being administered as per schedule,” said Civil Surgeon Dr Yogesh Sharma.

People turned away at g’gram vax centres

About 2,000 vaccines were administered on Tuesday at 20 centres here. The vaccines ran out of stock before noon. Subsequently, people were turned away causing resentment.

Faridabad: A majority of the 44-plus residents, who have received their first dose, are awaiting their second one. As of Tuesday, the department had only 25,000 doses.

Deputy CMO Dr Ramesh Chander said, “The department had received around 30,000 doses recently. About 500 persons above 45 years are vaccinated daily.”

Ambala: In all, 9,380 doses of Covishield are available for the 18-44 age group and 4,990 doses for those above 45 years. As for Covaxin, 4,130 doses are available for 45-plus people.

Rohtak: The vaccination drive is going on smoothly at the PGIMS here. Sources say Covaxin is administered to persons above 45 years, while Covishield is given to the ones in the 18-44 age bracket. Nearly 400 persons visit the PGIMS to get themselves vaccinated every day.

Yamunanagar: Civil Surgeon Dr Vijay Dahiya said 10,000 doses of Covaxin and 7,000 doses of Covishield were available for people above 45 years.