NAGPUR: Over 1.25 lakh in the 45+ age group in Nagpur district are now awaiting their second shots as Covid vaccine doses stock keeps flitting between record high and no stock.
As per the government data, 1.58 beneficiaries from the 45+ age band had taken their first dose in April first week.
More than 90% beneficiaries in the district have been inoculated with Covishield as only a handful centres are offering Covaxin due to erratic supply from its manufacturer.
Between June 19 and 25, 21,391 got their second shots still leaving over a lakh in this age group pending.
On June 26 too, only 7,250 turned up suggesting either beneficiaries are delaying or not able to find a slot.
Between April and 3 and 9, the district centres had inoculated 2.39lakh beneficiaries with both doses — either Covishield or Covaxin.
The gap between all first and second doses for both vaccines is huge.
Of the total 16.26lakh vaccinations in the district till date, 12,85,657 have taken their first shots and 3,40,780 both.
Infectious disease specialist Dr Ashwini Tayde said vaccination definitely gives protection against severe disease “despite the fact that Delta Plus variant can have immune evasion as major cause of concern”.
“This should be taken into consideration and should be a good reason for everyone to get vaccinated and get protection.
The government must speed up and make sure the second dose is not delayed due to paucity of stock,” she said.
Vidarbha Hospital Association convenor Dr Anup Marar said those above 45 who got their 2nd dose rescheduled from 4 weeks till the extended versions and were earnestly waiting for their 2nd dose are really unlucky.
“After safeguarding themselves till 1st dose, they thought to get fully vaccinated 2 months back.
Sadly, these Covishield 1st dose vaccinated got their 2nd dose rescheduled as norms were changed.
Now when their rescheduled date arrived, vaccine non availability in government centers is a deterrent,” he said.
Dr Marar added, “Many of them who planned their tours with children are now confused, worried and insecure due to the non-availability of vaccines over and above the extended rescheduling.
The authorities should fix liability for this faux paus and render justice to these innocent people.
I am sure authorities in their quasi judicial role will surely take action in a transparent manner quoting draconian rules as unconstitutionally enforced on general public and all sectors; on those officials also who caused this catastrophe.”