Mumbai: This city has entirely vaccinated more than 60% of adult populations against Covid, becoming the first between major cities in the country to reach landmarks.
A total of 1.5 doses of crore have been given to fully immunize 56.4 lakh (60.6%) people.
The city has a population that qualifies from 92.3 lakh, including 91.5 lakh (99%) has received at least one dose.
Delhi, who has given a maximum dose of more than 2 crores, has given both shots to almost 50% of its citizens.
Among other cities, Chennai has given both doses to more than 48% of people while Bengaluru has vaccinated 57% of the population.
The Head of BMC I S Chahal said the city could compete in front of other Metro in complete vaccination due to rapid increase in vaccination centers and private hospital participation.
Of the total doses managed in Mumbai, almost 40% have been in the private sector.
In the age category, 68% of people above 45 have received both doses, while in the 18-44 bracket, almost 49% fully inoculated.
The road to fully vaccinate the city is still long and achieving that means covering 36 other lakh people.
Chahal told Ti that time had arrived for the government to consider reducing the 84-day interval between the covishield dose.
Mumbai has around 35 lakh people who have taken the first dose and waited to qualify for the second.
“If the gap is shortened, overnight we will have 22 lakh people who will qualify for the second dose.
Because of the gap, people who have been vaccinated with the first dose in September and October must wait until next year to be fully immunized,” he said.
The Commissioner has urged CM Uddhav Thackeray to discuss the 84-day interval shortening of the center.
What is the meaning of 60% coverage for the city? Dr.
Shashank Joshi, a member of the Covid State Task Force, said overall it was a good position but should not make people complacent.
“On the positive side, we have a single dose coverage of 99%, our sero survey has shown a high prevalence and people are also exposed to the virus,” Joshi said.
But this city is an international center, has an important presence of migrants, and above all densely populated, he was reminded.
“In addition, countries like Israel continue to see infections despite high levels of vaccination.
Therefore, masking and other protocols cannot be compromised,” he said.
After Mumbai, Pune has discussed the second high, 51% of citizens, with both doses, followed by Sindhudurg and Bhandara each of 47%.
Overall, Maharashtra has covered 34% of the 9.1 population crore which qualifies with doses and 74% with at least one.
Although Mumbai has reached a landmark, a general slowdown in vaccination throughout the district attracts the first and second dose coverage.
The state government said on Tuesday nearly 74 lakh people had not taken their second dose despite completing the interval.
Pune has the highest number of people due (8 lakh), followed by Mumbai (5.5 lakh) and Nagpur (5 lakh).
Chahal said the slowdown could not be avoided in Mumbai because 99% had taken their first dose.
And in the remaining population, many are not eligible to receive their second dose.