Mumbai: One of the key factors that can make dents in hospitalization and death must occur the third wave will be vaccinated the vulnerable age group.
The Ministry of Health of the Union and World Health Organizations often emphasize the importance of immunizing the 45-plus population as the severity of Covid and higher death in this age group.
However, the number of countries shows the scope of the 45-plus population far from the desired.
The numbers revealed that even 50% (46%) from the age group 45-plus had taken both shots even though vaccination was open to them since April.
The wise number of the district gives a bleak picture.
Not a district in Maharashtra has reached even 80% of double dose coverage for this Highrisk age group.
Sindhudurg is the only district that covers 77.5% of this population with both shots.
Even Mumbai was left behind and had managed to close only 68% with both doses.
In fact, there were 13 districts below the average of 46%.
The lowest is Hingoli and Aurangabad where almost 29% have got both shots.
Closer to Mumbai, Palghar has given two shots to 32% of people over 45 years.
In Hingoli, Nandurbar and Aurangabad, even a single dose coverage of less than 60%.
The Covid Country Taskforce said in the past that Maharashtra must cover at least 70% of people in the vulnerable age group in October.
“Vaccination, isolation, contact contacts are some of the main tools to stay in front of the virus.
We may not make the same mistake that we do between the first and second waves,” said Dr Shashank Joshi, a member of Taskforce Covid, added that immunization must be accelerated.
Maharashtra has an adult population of 9.14crore who qualifies for immunization.
From it, 3.51 crore people were over 45 years old, while 5.6 others were in the 18-44 year bracket.
In absolute numbers, almost 2 years above 45 years are waiting to be fully vaccinated.
A state official said the district had been repeatedly told to get their coverage of 45-pluses and senior citizens.
“More than 80% of Covid deaths in the state have occurred in people over 45 years and with comorbidity.
Therefore, districts must understand the importance of vaccinating this age group based on priorities,” the official said.
Officials from Aurangabad, which is one of 48 districts drawn for poor vaccine coverage by the center, said they would immediately receive a door-to-door drive.
Beaten by the lack of shares at first, the district was damaged by rain for several months.
“Post Diwali, we will target all age groups,” said Dr.
Sudhakar Shelke, district health workers.