Maharashtra Needs 12 Cr COVID-19 Vaccines For Phase 3: Rajesh Tope

Mumbai: The Maharashtra government has written to COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers Serum Institute of India (SII) and Bharat Biotech about the state’s vaccination requirements ahead of the next phase of the inoculation drive starting May 1.

Talking about Maharashtra’s vaccination campaign for people between the ages of 18 and 45, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Tuesday that the adult population would need around 12 crore vaccines to be fully vaccinated.

Talking about Maharashtra’s vaccination campaign for people between the ages of 18 and 45, state Health Minister Rajesh Tope said on Tuesday that the adult population would need around 12 crore vaccines to be fully vaccinated.

“We have over five crore people in the state who are 18 years of age and above. For the vaccination drive that will take place from May 1, we need about 12 crore vaccines. We have written to Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech about our demands for vaccines for people above 18,” Tope said.

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Maharashtra remains one of the worst-COVID-affected states in the country. As many as 66,358 new cases, 895 deaths and 67,752 recoveries were reported on Tuesday. The total case tally stands at 44,100,85.

The Center announced a “liberalized” policy on 19 April, which would make all people above 18 May eligible to be vaccinated from 1 May. It has allowed state governments and private hospitals to purchase vaccines from manufacturers.

According to the central government, manufacturers of Kovid-19 vaccines will be free to supply 50 per cent doses to the state governments and the open market, for which they will have to declare the advance price before May 1.

The second phase of the COVID-19 vaccination drive to inoculate people above 60 years and those over 45 with comorbidities against the coronavirus began on March 1. The third phase began on April 1 for all above 45 years of age. In the next phase beginning May 1, all above the age of 18 would be eligible to receive the shot.

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